Increased Blood Acidity
The pH factor is generally utilized to measure the acidity or alkalinity of blood and other fluids. A normal blood pH level is typically between 7.35 and 7.45. The condition known as increased blood acidity or metabolic acidosis occurs when blood pH values drop below the normal range, which can result from either an increase in hydrogen ions and acid accumulation in the bloodstream or a deficiency in bicarbonate ions. Another type of elevated acidity in the body is termed respiratory acidosis, which results from the lungs’ inability to exhale carbon dioxide effectively. The impact of increased blood acidity can vary among individuals; while some may fully recover, others may experience complications affecting the function of various organs. The treatment for increased blood acidity and its associated outcomes largely hinges on the underlying cause and the promptness of intervention.
Symptoms of Increased Blood Acidity
Increased blood acidity typically stimulates the brain’s respiratory centers to accelerate both the rate and depth of breathing. This response aims to compensate for blood acidity by expelling carbon dioxide from the body, which can lead to dyspnea or difficulty in breathing. As the condition worsens over time, additional symptoms may arise. In severe cases, individuals may experience kidney dysfunction, bone issues, stunted growth, cardiovascular disturbances, reduced blood pressure resulting in shock, loss of consciousness, or, in extreme scenarios, death. It is important to note that the accompanying symptoms of increased blood acidity are often nonspecific. Below are some common signs:
- Chest pain.
- Heart palpitations.
- Headaches.
- Confusion and mental fog.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Bone pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Drowsiness.
- Jaundice, indicated by yellowing of the skin and the sclera of the eyes.
- Increased heart rate.
Causes of Increased Blood Acidity
The problem of increased blood acidity often originates in the kidneys, which may fail to adequately filter and eliminate acidic materials or excessively eliminate alkaline substances that neutralize blood acidity. Here are some key reasons or health conditions that can contribute to elevated blood acidity:
- Ingestion of certain substances: Consuming an acidic substance or a compound that metabolizes into acidic byproducts in the body, such as methanol, ethylene glycol, or large amounts of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), along with various other drugs and toxins.
- Loss of alkaline substances: Loss of bicarbonate through the digestive tract due to conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, or certain surgical procedures such as ileostomy. It’s noteworthy that blood acidity resulting from loss of alkaline substances is termed hyperchloremic acidosis.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: This type of acidosis occurs when diabetes is poorly managed, leading to insufficient insulin levels and resulting in the accumulation of acidic compounds known as ketones.
- Lactic acidosis: Some metabolic disorders can lead to the buildup of lactic acid in the body, thus increasing blood acidity. This condition can arise from various factors, including alcohol use, heart failure, seizures, cancer, liver failure, prolonged low blood sugar, prolonged low oxygen levels, and excessive physical exertion.
Diagnosis of Increased Blood Acidity
Several tests are available to help diagnose this condition, which is essential for selecting the most effective treatment options. Here are some of the most commonly used diagnostic tests:
- Anion gap test: This test measures the chemical balance in the blood by determining the difference between positively and negatively charged ions. It aims to identify the type of metabolic acidosis, as different types exhibit varying anion gaps. The positively and negatively charged ions include sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions.
- Arterial blood gas analysis: This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and determines the blood pH.
- Urinalysis: This test involves analyzing urine for the presence of ketones, helping to assess the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Urine analysis can also reveal other health issues related to elevated blood acidity, such as kidney disorders and specific types of poisonings, including alcohol poisoning, aspirin toxicity, and ethylene glycol poisoning.