Acidosis
An abnormal increase in the acidity of body fluids, caused either by accumulation of acids or by depletion of bicarbonates. Generally acidosis is said to occur when arterial pH falls below 7.35, while its counterpart (alkalosis) occurs at a pH over 7.45. Arterial blood gas analysis and other tests are required to separate the main causes.
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory acidosis results from a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood due to hypoventilation. It is most often caused by pulmonary problems, although head injuries, drugs (especially anaesthetics and sedatives), and brain tumors can also bring it on. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, severe pneumonia, and aspiration are among the most frequent causes. It can also occur as a response to chronic metabolic alkalosis.
Blood gases show pH below 7.35 as above mentioned, and PaCO2 will be high (>45 mmHg / 6 kPa).
The key to distinguish between respiratory and metabolic acidosis is that in respiratory acidosis, the CO2 is increased while the bicarbonate is either normal (uncompensated) or increased (compensated). Compensation occurs if respiratory acidosis persists for days or longer and a chronic phase is entered with partial buffering of the acidosis through renal bicarbonate retension.
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis may result from disturbances in the ability to excrete acid via the kidneys. Renal acidosis is associated with an accumulation of urea and creatinine as well as metabolic acid residues of protein catabolism.
An increase in the production of metabolic acids may also produce metabolic acidosis. For example, lactic acidosis may occur from 1) severe (PaO2 <36mm Hg) hypoxemia causing a fall in the rate of oxygen diffusion from arterial blood to tissues, or 2) hypoperfusion (e.g. hypovolemic shock) causing an inadequate blood delivery of oxygen to tissues. A rise in lactate out of proportion to the level of pyruvate, e.g. in mixed venous blood, is termed "excess lactate" and is the best indicator of an inadequate flow of oxygen into the body's mitochondria from either cause. Oxygen debt (and muscle excess lactate) is also seen in strenuous exercise. Once oxgenation is restored, the acidosis clears quickly. Another example of increased production of acids occurs in starvation and diabetic acidosis. It is due to the accumulation of ketoacids (ketosis) and reflects a severe shift from glycolysis to lipolysis for fuel needs.
Acidic poisons, iron etc., and decreased production of bicarbonate may also produce metabolic acidosis.
Positive Lifestyle Changes for Acidosis
To rebalance and raise the blood pH, it is beneficial to eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (with the exception of plums, prunes, and cranberries which remain as acid in the body). Carrot juice is beneficial to re-establish balance. Deep breathing may be included in the treatment program. Smokers should stop smoking as soon as possible. Not smoking can prevent the development of many severe lung diseases that can lead to respiratory acidosis
Acid and Alkaline Self Test
Purchasing litmus paper and applying saliva to the paper will indicate whether your body fluids are to acidic or too alkaline. Litmus paper will change color to indicate pH levels of body fluids. Red litmus paper turns blue in alkaline and blue litmus paper turns red in an acid. These tests should be performed before eating or one hour after eating. |
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