Acidosis

Definition

Acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body fluids, leading to a decrease in blood pH below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. This imbalance can disrupt normal cellular functions and is often the result of respiratory or metabolic dysfunctions. Understanding acidosis is crucial for maintaining acid-base balance and pH regulation, as the body relies on precise mechanisms to keep its environment stable for optimal physiological function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acidosis can be classified into two main types: respiratory acidosis, caused by impaired gas exchange, and metabolic acidosis, resulting from excess acid production or bicarbonate loss.
2. Common causes of respiratory acidosis include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma attacks, while metabolic acidosis can occur due to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis or renal failure.
3. Symptoms of acidosis can include confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, and headache, which arise due to the effects of lower pH on cellular function.
4. The body has compensatory mechanisms to correct acidosis, such as increased ventilation to expel carbon dioxide in respiratory acidosis or kidney adjustments in metabolic acidosis.
5. Severe or prolonged acidosis can lead to serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and even death if not addressed promptly.

Review Questions

• How does respiratory acidosis differ from metabolic acidosis in terms of causes and physiological effects?
  • Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to inadequate ventilation, commonly seen in conditions like COPD or severe asthma. In contrast, metabolic acidosis results from increased acid production or loss of bicarbonate from conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis or renal failure. Both types lead to a decrease in blood pH, but they originate from different underlying physiological disturbances affecting how the body regulates its acid-base balance.
• Discuss the body's compensatory mechanisms for correcting acidosis and their effectiveness in restoring normal pH levels.
  • The body employs several compensatory mechanisms to address acidosis, primarily through the respiratory and renal systems. In respiratory acidosis, hyperventilation helps increase oxygen intake and eliminate carbon dioxide, thereby raising blood pH. For metabolic acidosis, the kidneys may excrete more hydrogen ions and retain bicarbonate to help neutralize excess acidity. While these compensations can be effective short-term solutions, they may not fully correct severe acidosis without addressing the underlying cause.
• Evaluate the potential long-term consequences of untreated acidosis on overall health and organ function.
  • Untreated acidosis can have significant long-term consequences for overall health and organ function. Chronic acid-base imbalances can lead to cellular dysfunction, affecting processes such as energy production and protein synthesis. Additionally, prolonged acidosis increases the risk of complications like cardiac arrhythmias due to altered electrolyte levels and affects organ systems like the kidneys and lungs that are critical for maintaining homeostasis. Ultimately, failure to manage acidosis can result in irreversible damage or even death if left unaddressed.

Related terms

alkalosis: A condition where the body fluids are too alkaline, resulting in a blood pH above 7.45.

bicarbonate buffer system: A major buffering system in the blood that helps maintain pH by using bicarbonate ions to neutralize excess acids.

respiratory failure: A medical condition where the respiratory system fails to maintain adequate gas exchange, which can lead to acidosis due to increased carbon dioxide levels.