Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. You may find the Arterial Blood Gases article more useful, or one of our other health articles. NICE has issued rapid update guidelines in relation to many of these. This guidance is changing frequently. Lactic acidosis is a form of metabolic acidosis due to the inadequate clearance of lactic acid from the blood.
Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration and is normally cleared from the blood by the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle. This causes pyruvic acid to be preferentially converted to lactate during anaerobic respiration. The list of causes is virtually endless, but the major causes are covered below. Lactic acidosis may occur in conjunction with a wide variety of underlying disease, in extremis , and indeed is a marker for severe progression and deterioration of the primary illness.
A variety of acquired and congenital diseases may cause it, or contribute to its presence in ill patients. Lactic acidosis may occur as a consequence of vigorous or prolonged exercise but is usually of no consequence and self-correcting, unless other pathology such as hyperthermia is present.
The kidneys are essential for balancing the body's internal environment. They help regulate fluid levels and blood pressure, and if they do not work…. Many automatic processes in the body run on small electric currents, and electrolytes provide this charge. Electrolytes are present throughout the…. What to know about lactic acidosis. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.
Symptoms Causes Treatments Complications Types Diagnosis Prevention Lactic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much lactic acid and cannot metabolize it quickly enough. What are the symptoms? Share on Pinterest Lactic acidosis symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency include a rapid heart rate and disorientaiton. What are the causes? Share on Pinterest Diabetes increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis.
Treatment options. Share on Pinterest Complications may be prevented by managing underlying medical conditions correctly. Types of lactic acidosis. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery?
Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Metformin Glucophage is one of these drugs. Metformin is also used off-label to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome. In people with diabetes, lactic acidosis may be more of a concern if kidney disease is also present.
If you have diabetes and experience any symptoms of lactic acidosis, call or go to an emergency room immediately. Lactic acidosis is diagnosed through a fasting blood test.
Your doctor may instruct you to not eat or drink anything for 8 to 10 hours before taking the test. You may also be instructed to curb your activity level in the hours leading up to the test.
During the test, your doctor may tell you not to clench your fist, as this may artificially spike acid levels. Tying an elastic band around the arm may also have this result. For these reasons, the lactic acidosis blood test is sometimes done by finding a vein on the back of the hand instead of the arm.
The best way to treat lactic acidosis is by treating its root cause. For that reason, treatments vary. Lactic acidosis sometimes represents a medical emergency. This requires treating symptoms, regardless of their root cause. Increasing oxygen to the tissues and giving IV fluids are often used to reduce lactic acid levels. Lactic acidosis caused by exercising can be treated at home.
Electrolyte-replacement sports drinks, such as Gatorade, help with hydration, but water is usually best. Based on the root cause, treatments for lactic acidosis often result in full recovery, particularly if treatment is immediate.
Sometimes, kidney failure or respiratory failure may result. When left untreated, lactic acidosis can be fatal. Lactic acidosis prevention is also determined by its potential cause. If you have diabetes, HIV, or cancer, discuss your condition and the medications you need with your doctor.
Lactic acidosis from exercise can be prevented by remaining hydrated and providing yourself with long resting periods between exercise sessions. Discuss rehabilitation and step program options with your doctor or counselor. Common Health Topics. Videos Figures Images Quizzes Symptoms. Type A lactic acidosis. Type B lactic acidosis. D-Lactic acidosis. Symptoms and Signs. Key Points. Acid-Base Regulation and Disorders. Test your knowledge. Adrenal virilism is suspected clinically, although some of the characteristics of this condition, such as hirsutism and hypomenorrhea, may also indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS.
Because of this, it is most appropriate to measure which of the following laboratory values to differentiate adrenal virilism from PCOS in the female patient?
More Content. Lactic Acidosis By James L.
0コメント