Laci

Lactic Acidosis is a medical condition characterized by the buildup of lactic acid in the body, leading to an excessively low pH in the bloodstream. This condition is a form of metabolic acidosis, where the body produces or retains more acid than it can eliminate. Lactic acidosis is often a sign of underlying health issues and can be a critical, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Causes

Lactic acidosis occurs when there is too much lactic acid in the body. This can be due to:

• Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism imbalance, where the body relies more on anaerobic processes due to lack of oxygen or inefficiency in oxygen use.
• Conditions that increase lactic acid production or reduce its clearance from the body. These include severe infections (sepsis), shock, chronic alcoholism, and certain diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.
• Certain medications and toxins can also lead to lactic acidosis, including metformin (a diabetes medication), and antiretroviral drugs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include:

• Rapid breathing
• Hyperventilation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lactic acidosis involves:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination.
• Blood tests to measure lactate levels, blood pH, and other markers of acid-base balance (Arterial blood gas test).
• Tests to identify underlying causes, such as infection or organ dysfunction.

Treatment

Treatment of lactic acidosis focuses on correcting the underlying cause. This may involve:

• Providing oxygen or mechanical ventilation to improve oxygenation.
• Fluids and electrolytes to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Medications to support blood pressure and heart function in cases of shock.
• Discontinuing medications that may contribute to lactic acidosis.
• Dialysis in severe cases to remove excess lactic acid from the blood.

Prevention

Preventing lactic acidosis involves managing underlying conditions that could lead to the disorder, such as controlling diabetes, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and monitoring medications that can increase lactic acid levels.

See Also

• Metabolic acidosis
• Acid-base imbalance
• Sepsis
• Diabetes mellitus