Acidosis
Acidosis occurs when there is excessive blood acidity caused by an over presence of acid in the blood or a loss of bicarbonate from the blood also called metabolic acidosis, or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from inadequate function of the lungs or slow breathing also called as respiratory acidosis.
When there is an increase in acid and overpowered the body’s pH buffer systems, the blood will become acidic. When the blood pH dropped, the parts of the brain that regulates breathing are stimulated to produce faster and deeper breathing, which increases the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled.
The kidneys will also try to compensate by producing more acid in the urine. But, both mechanisms might be overwhelmed when the body continues to produce much more acid, these leads to severe acidosis and eventually the person experiencing such can go into coma.
Causes
Metabolic acidosis develops when the amount of acid in the body is increased through ingestion of a substance or can be metabolized into, like large doses of aspirin. It is also occurs as a result of abnormal metabolism. The body produces excess acid in the advanced stages of shock and in poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus.
When the production of normal amounts of acid, it may lead to acidosis when the kidneys are not functioning in normal fashion, and therefore not able to produce sufficient amounts of acid in the urine.
Respiratory acidosis develops when the lungs does not release carbon dioxide adequately, a problem that can occur in diseases that severely affect the lungs such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, severe pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and asthma. For some cases respiratory acidosis can also develop when diseases of the nerves or muscles of the chest impair breathing. In addition, a person can develop respiratory acidosis if overly sedated from opioids (narcotics) and strong sleeping medications that slow respiration.
Symptoms
Frequent sighing.
Insomnia.
Water retention.
Recessed eyes.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Migraine headaches.
Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension).
Dry hard stools.
Foul-smelling stools accompanied by burning sensation in the anus.
Alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Difficulty in swallowing.
Burning in the mouth and/or under the tongue.
Sensitivity of the teeth to vinegar and acidic fruits.
Bumps on the tongue or the roof of the mouth.
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Fatigue
Breathing becomes deeper and faster (due to the body tries to correct the acidosis by expelling more carbon dioxide).
When the acidosis worsens, the person begins to feel extremely weak and drowsy and may feel confused and increasingly nauseated. Eventually, blood pressure can fall, leading to shock, coma, and death.
The first symptoms of respiratory acidosis may be headache and drowsiness. Drowsiness may progress to stupor and coma. Stupor and coma can develop within moments if breathing stops or is severely impaired, or over hours if breathing is less dramatically impaired.
Treatment
Treatment of metabolic acidosis depends on the cause. For example, treatment may be needed in controlling diabetes with insulin or to eradicate toxic substance from the blood in cases of poisoning.
Treatment of respiratory acidosis aims at improving the function of the lungs. Some drugs to improve breathing may help people who have lung disorders like asthma and emphysema.
Acidosis can be treated directly. If acidosis is mild, administering intravenous fluids may be all that is needed. If acidosis is severe, bicarbonate may be given intravenously.
But, bicarbonate provides only temporary relief and may cause harm,if by overloading the body with sodium and water.
Elderberry:
Boil 3 to 5 grams of dried Elder flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink 1 cup 3 times daily
White Willow:
Drink as tea; use 1 to 2 grams of White Willow bark per one cup of water. Drink 1 cup three times a day.
Prevention
If experiencing Acidosis
Do not consume animal protein (beef and pork), they lead to acidity.
Avoid beans, cereals, crackers, eggs, flour products, grains, oily foods, macaroni, and sugar. Plums, prunes, and cranberries do not oxidize and therefore remain acid to the body.
Avoid excessive vitamin C consumption cause it may lead to acidosis, reduce your intake of vitamin C for a few weeks. When taking vitamin C, use a non-acid forming or buffered variety.
