Asidoz

Asidoz, or acidosis, is a medical condition in which the body fluids contain too much acid or too little bicarbonate, causing the pH of the blood to fall below the normal range (7.35 to 7.45). It can arise from either an excess of acid production, loss of bicarbonate, or insufficient elimination of acids.

There are two primary categories: metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis results from increased acid generation (for example lactic acidosis or ketoacidosis), loss of bicarbonate (such as diarrhea), or decreased acid excretion in kidney disease. Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs fail to remove enough carbon dioxide, due to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe pneumonia, airway obstruction, or respiratory depression.

Diagnosis is based on arterial blood gas measurements and chemistry. A pH below 7.35 confirms acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate is reduced and the pCO2 may be partially compensated by the respiratory system; in respiratory acidosis, pCO2 is elevated with variable bicarbonate compensation. Some patients have a mixed or complex disorder.

Symptoms vary with the underlying cause and severity and can include rapid breathing or shortness of breath (especially in metabolic acidosis), confusion or lethargy, headache, and in severe cases loss of consciousness.

Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause and supporting vital functions. This may involve fluid and electrolyte management, ventilatory support for respiratory failure, and bicarbonate administration in selected cases of severe metabolic acidosis. Timely treatment improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.

Asidoz is a broad term used in various languages for acidosis and is differentiated by mechanism and presenting illness. See also acid–base balance, pH, arterial blood gas.