Acidosis

Definition

Acidosis is a condition characterized by an excessive acidity in the body fluids, often indicated by a decrease in blood pH below 7.35. This condition can arise from various metabolic or respiratory issues that disrupt the balance of acids and bases in the body, ultimately affecting cellular metabolism and overall homeostasis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acidosis can significantly impair cellular functions, as many enzymes and biochemical reactions are sensitive to changes in pH.
2. The body has buffering systems, such as bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein buffers, that help maintain pH balance and mitigate acidosis.
3. Chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a common cause of metabolic acidosis.
4. Respiratory acidosis is often associated with hypoventilation, which can be caused by conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
5. Severe acidosis can result in symptoms like confusion, fatigue, and shortness of breath, and may lead to serious complications if not addressed.

Review Questions

• How does acidosis affect cellular metabolism and what mechanisms does the body utilize to counteract its effects?
  • Acidosis negatively impacts cellular metabolism by altering enzyme activity and disrupting biochemical pathways that rely on specific pH levels for optimal function. To counteract this condition, the body employs various buffering systems, primarily involving bicarbonate ions, which neutralize excess acids. Additionally, the lungs increase ventilation to exhale more carbon dioxide, reducing acid levels in the blood while the kidneys may excrete hydrogen ions to help restore balance.
• What are the differences between metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis in terms of their causes and physiological responses?
  • Metabolic acidosis is primarily caused by conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney dysfunction that lead to an increase in acid production or a loss of bicarbonate. In contrast, respiratory acidosis results from inadequate ventilation due to lung diseases or central nervous system issues that prevent proper gas exchange, causing carbon dioxide to accumulate. The physiological responses vary; for metabolic acidosis, the body attempts to compensate by increasing respiratory rate to eliminate carbon dioxide while renal adjustments may take longer. In respiratory acidosis, rapid breathing efforts are made initially but may be limited by underlying conditions.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of untreated acidosis on human health and discuss potential therapeutic interventions.
  • Untreated acidosis can lead to significant long-term health issues including organ dysfunction, impaired cognitive function, and severe electrolyte imbalances. Persistent acidosis may contribute to osteoporosis due to calcium leaching from bones as a compensatory mechanism. Therapeutic interventions often involve addressing the underlying cause of acidosis; this could include administering intravenous bicarbonate for acute cases or optimizing management strategies for chronic diseases. Lifestyle modifications and medications that improve ventilation or renal function can also play a critical role in correcting acid-base imbalances over time.

Related terms

alkalosis: A condition in which the body fluids have an excess of base (alkali), leading to an increase in blood pH above 7.45.

metabolic acidosis: A type of acidosis resulting from the accumulation of acid or loss of bicarbonate in the body, often due to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney failure.

respiratory acidosis: A form of acidosis caused by inadequate ventilation leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, typically seen in respiratory diseases.