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Metabolic acidosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Acidosis - metabolic

Symptoms:

Most symptoms are caused by the disease or condition that is causing the metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis itself usually causes rapid breathing. Confusion or lethargy may also occur.

Signs and tests:

Blood tests to diagnose metabolic acidosis may include:

• An arterial blood gas to assess the severity of the metabolic acidosis
• A metabolic panel to reveal the cause and severity of the metabolic acidosis
• A complete blood count (CBC) to assess possible causes of metabolic acidosis

References:

Judge BS. Metabolic Acidosis: Differentiating the Causes in the Poisoned Patient.  Med Clin North Am . 2005 Nov; 89(6); 1107-1124.

Kraut JA. Metabolic acidosis of CKD: diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment. Am J Kidney Dis . 2005; 45(6): 978-93.

• Review Date: 2/13/2006
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, CriticalCare & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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