Lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis refers to lactic acid build up in the bloodstream. Lactic acid is produced when oxygen levels become low in cells within the areas of the body where metabolism takes place or in response to sympathetic overactivity related to epinephrine-type substances or exercise.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is mainly produced in muscle cells and red blood cells. It forms when the body breaks down carbohydrates to use for energy when oxygen l...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
The most common cause of lactic acidosis is severe medical illness in which blood pressure is low and too little oxygen is reaching the body's tissues. Intense exercise or convulsions can cause temporary lactic acidosis. Certain diseases can also cause the condition, including:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AID
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...
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- Cancer
- Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
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- Kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
Respiratory failure
Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when your lungs can't remove all of the carbon dioxide produced by your body. This causes the blood ...
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Sepsis
Sepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs.
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Some medicines can rarely cause lactic acidosis:
- Beta adrenergic agonist inhalers used to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (albuterol and salmeterol)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...
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- Linezolid
- Metformin, used to treat diabetes (most often when overdosed)
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used to treat HIV infection
- Propofol
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Muscle cramping
- Shortness of breath
Exams and Tests
Tests may include a blood test to check lactate and electrolyte levels.
Treatment
The main treatment for lactic acidosis is to correct the medical problem that causes the condition.
References
McCoin NS, Self WH. Acid-base disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 113.
Palmer BF. Metabolic acidosis. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 13.
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 104.
Review Date: 10/27/2024
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