Acidosis refers to high levels of acid in the body. If the body becomes too acidic or too alkaline, it can cause serious health problems. Acidosis is uncommon in the general population, and it is more likely to affect people with kidney disease or other health conditions.
The body needs to maintain a balance of acidity for optimal health.
High levels of acid in the body cause the body to compensate and try to remove the acid. The lungs and kidneys are usually able to get rid of excess acid in the body. If acidosis puts too much pressure on these organs, it can cause serious complications.
Certain health conditions, prescription drugs, and dietary factors can cause acidosis. Some cases of acidosis are reversible, but without treatment, severe acidosis can be fatal.
This article discusses the possible causes and types of acidosis.
There are many possible causes of high levels of acid in the body, which the following sections describe.
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis happens when too much acid builds up in the body due to a disruption to the metabolism. Several different health conditions can be associated with this, including:
- diabetes
- Sjögren disease
- severe diarrhea
- biliary fistula
- insulin resistance
It is not always clear whether these conditions cause metabolic acidosis or whether acidosis causes these conditions. These conditions may create a cycle of increasing metabolic acidosis, which then worsens the condition.
Some people may not experience any symptoms of metabolic acidosis. In those who do, the possible symptoms include:
If people notice any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor right away.
Renal tubular acidosis
Kidney disease or kidney failure can cause metabolic acidosis. Doctors refer to this as renal tubular acidosis. The kidneys remove excess acid, which passes out of the body through urine. If there is a problem with the kidneys, these organs are unable to remove acid effectively from the body.
The kidneys also help keep bicarbonate levels stable in the body. A certain amount of this molecule in the blood is necessary to keep the body healthy.
One sign of metabolic acidosis is low levels of bicarbonate in the bloodstream, which indicates that the blood is more acidic. According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), low levels of bicarbonate are those less than 22 millimoles per liter (mmol/l) of blood).
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory acidosis happens when the body is unable to remove enough carbon dioxide, which then builds up in the body, increasing acid levels in the blood.
Causes of respiratory acidosis include:
- stroke
- drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as opioids
- disorders that affect the muscles involved in breathing, such as muscular dystrophy or Guillain-Barre syndrome
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The symptoms of respiratory acidosis can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:
- wheezing
- difficulty breathing
- anxiety
- disturbed sleep
- a blue tinge to the skin due to a low level of oxygen in the blood
Diet-induced acidosis
Some foods and drinks can increase acidity in the body. It is not the pH of the food or drink that determines whether this occurs but how the food affects the balance between acid and alkaline levels once inside the body.
According to a 2021 article, the average diet of people in the United States produces acid in the body. In many cases, a diet is acidic due to high levels of:
- amino acids that contain sulfur, which are present in meat, eggs, and dairy products
- salt, which may make it harder for the kidneys to get rid of excess acid
- phosphoric acid, which soda contains
However, for the majority of people, diet does not cause dangerous acidosis. The body’s respiratory and kidney mechanisms can usually compensate for an acidic diet. A doctor can discuss whether a person’s diet may be contributing to acidosis.
Drug-induced acidosis
Some prescription medications can increase acidity in the body. Examples of these include:
- metformin
- antibacterial drugs, such as trimethoprim (Primsol)
- antiretrovirals
People
- undergoing surgery
- with asthma
- with end stage COPD
- who smoke, as it can cause respiratory problems
- who use opioids
Risk factors for metabolic and diet-induced acidosis include:
- diabetes
- kidney problems
- certain diseases, such as Sjögren disease
The treatment for acidosis depends on its type and cause.
Metabolic or renal tubular acidosis
A doctor may prescribe the following medications for metabolic acidosis:
- sodium bicarbonate tablets or powder
- sodium citrate solution (liquid)
- potassium citrate tablets, solution, or powder
Bicarbonate is an alkaline, which is the opposite of an acid. Bicarbonate can help balance the acid in the blood. A person should never take bicarbonate to treat acidosis without the supervision of a doctor.
Respiratory acidosis
To treat respiratory acidosis, people must treat the underlying cause. Treatment will vary depending on the cause, but it is likely to focus on making breathing easier. Bronchodilators are drugs that help widen the airways and relax the muscles that control breathing.
Diet-induced acidosis
For people with kidney disease, a diet higher in plant-based protein than animal protein can help prevent acid levels from increasing in the body.
Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables each day
Although, a nutritious diet has many benefits, people with normal metabolic health do not need to worry about regulating the acidity levels in their bodies.
Metabolic acidosis can lead to serious complications, including:
- osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone that can increase the risk of fractures
- improper growth in children, as metabolic acidosis restricts growth hormone
- increased kidney damage, which can worsen chronic kidney disease
- muscle loss or wasting
- high blood sugar
- problems with the endocrine system (the glands that create hormones), which can lead to insulin resistance and potentially diabetes
- increased risk of death
Complications of other types of acidosis also include osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can develop when the kidneys and lungs are unable to get rid of excess acid, and the body starts to take calcium from the bones. The body then uses this calcium to neutralize the acid.
According to a 2019 review, research has identified a possible association between higher levels of acidity in the body and cancer.
Solid tumors develop in an acidic environment caused by lactic acid build-up and poor blood flow. This acidity helps tumors grow, spread, and resist treatments. More research is necessary to explore how controlling tumor acidity can hinder cancer progression and enhance immune therapies.
Acidosis is a high level of acid in the body, which causes an imbalance in the body’s pH. If the kidneys and lungs are unable to get rid of excess acid, it can cause serious health problems.
If a disease or health condition is causing acidosis, treating the condition can help lower acidity in the body. If a person is taking acid-forming prescription medication, they can talk with their doctor about the potential issues it may cause.
Diets high in salt, soda, and animal protein can cause acidosis. People can moderate their intake of these foods and increase their daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
If people experience any symptoms of acidosis, they should see a doctor for tests and a treatment plan. For severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, they should seek immediate medical help.