Acidosis

Definition

Acidosis is a medical condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body fluids, resulting in a decrease in blood pH below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. This imbalance can disrupt metabolic processes and lead to serious health issues. Understanding acidosis is crucial for maintaining acid-base homeostasis, which is essential for normal physiological functions in living organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acidosis can be classified into two main types: respiratory acidosis, which is due to impaired gas exchange and carbon dioxide retention, and metabolic acidosis, which results from increased acid production or decreased bicarbonate levels.
2. Common causes of acidosis include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, and severe dehydration.
3. Symptoms of acidosis may include fatigue, confusion, shortness of breath, and headache, indicating the need for prompt medical evaluation.
4. The body has various mechanisms to counteract acidosis, including increased respiration to expel carbon dioxide and the renal system's regulation of bicarbonate levels.
5. If left untreated, severe acidosis can lead to complications such as arrhythmias, shock, and even coma, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.

Review Questions

• How does respiratory acidosis differ from metabolic acidosis in terms of their causes and physiological effects?
  • Respiratory acidosis occurs primarily due to inadequate ventilation leading to carbon dioxide retention, resulting in increased acidity in the blood. This often arises from conditions like COPD or respiratory failure. In contrast, metabolic acidosis is caused by an accumulation of acids due to factors such as kidney dysfunction or increased production of acids from conditions like diabetes. While both types can lower blood pH, their underlying causes and subsequent physiological effects vary significantly.
• Discuss how the body's buffer systems respond to acidosis and their role in maintaining acid-base balance.
  • The body's buffer systems play a critical role in responding to acidosis by quickly neutralizing excess acids. Bicarbonate is the primary buffer in the blood; when acidosis occurs, bicarbonate ions combine with hydrogen ions to form carbonic acid, which can then dissociate into carbon dioxide and water. This process helps to stabilize pH levels temporarily while other regulatory mechanisms like respiration and renal function work to correct the underlying cause of the acidosis.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of untreated acidosis on cellular function and overall health.
  • Untreated acidosis can severely impact cellular function by altering enzyme activity and disrupting metabolic pathways. Cells require a narrow pH range for optimal function; deviations can lead to impaired energy production, altered ion transport, and diminished cell signaling. Over time, chronic acidosis can contribute to complications such as organ dysfunction, increased risk of infection, and poor overall health outcomes. Therefore, timely intervention is crucial to restore pH balance and prevent lasting damage.

Related terms

alkalosis:

A condition where the body fluids have excess base, leading to an increase in blood pH above the normal range.

buffer systems:

Chemical systems in the body that help maintain pH balance by neutralizing excess acids or bases.

metabolic acidosis:

A type of acidosis that occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys do not remove enough acid from the body.