University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

45

Pages:

7
Author:

Sheha A.

Metabolic Acidosis Causes: Increased production of acid: Lactic acidosis Ketoacidosis Decreased excretion of acid: Renal failure Respiratory acidosis Loss of bicarbonate: Diarrhoea Renal tubular acidosis Pathophysiology: Increased production of acid: In lactic acidosis, there is an increase in the production of lactic acid. This can occur in conditions of hypoxia, shock, or sepsis. In ketoacidosis, there is an increase in the production of ketone bodies. This can occur in diabetes mellitus, starvation, or alcohol abuse. Decreased excretion of acid: In renal failure, the kidneys are unable to excrete acid. This leads to an accumulation of acid in the blood. In respiratory acidosis, the lungs are unable to excrete carbon dioxide. This leads to an accumulation of carbonic acid in the blood. Loss of bicarbonate: In diarrhoea, bicarbonate is lost in the stool. In renal tubular acidosis, bicarbonate is lost in the urine. Metabolic acidosis also decreases pH. Causes: Loss of bicarbonate: Severe diarrhea Renal tubular acidosis Excessive use of diuretics Increased production of acids: Ketoacidosis Lactic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis: This occurs when there is a decrease in H+ ions or elevated plasma bicarbonate level. Causes: Excessive loss of gastric HCl: Prolonged vomiting Pyloric stenosis Ingestion of excess bicarbonate: Treatment of peptic ulcers Ingestion of sodium bicarbonate 1. Respiratory Acidosis: This occurs when there is hypoventilation and CO2 retention. Decreased alveolar ventilation leads to increased CO2 retention and decreased bicarbonate excretion by the kidneys. 2. Metabolic Acidosis: This occurs when there is a decrease in blood pH caused by an accumulation of acids in the blood. It can be caused by conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and renal failure. 3. Metabolic Alkalosis: This occurs when there is an increase in blood pH caused by an excess of bicarbonate in the blood. It can be caused by conditions such as vomiting, excessive use of diuretics, and certain medications. 4. Respiratory Alkalosis: This occurs when there is hyperventilation and CO2 is exhaled too rapidly. This leads to a decrease in the level of carbonic acid in the blood, resulting in an increase in pH. Compensation: The body tries to compensate for acid-base disturbances to maintain a normal pH level. This is mainly achieved by the respiratory and renal systems. Respiratory compensation: This is a rapid compensation mechanism. It involves changes in respiratory rate and depth to alter the amount of CO2 exhaled. In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory rate increases to blow off excess CO2. In metabolic alkalosis, the respiratory rate decreases to retain CO2. Renal compensation: This is a slower compensation mechanism. It involves changes in the excretion of bicarbonate and hydrogen ions by the kidneys. In metabolic acidosis, the kidneys retain bicarbonate and excrete hydrogen ions. In metabolic alkalosis, the kidneys excrete bicarbonate and retain hydrogen ions. However, compensation is not always perfect, and severe acid-base disturbances can lead to significant health problems.