Metabolic acidosis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Acidosis - metabolic

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at the underlying condition. In certain circumstances, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) may be given to improve the acidity of the blood.

Expectations (prognosis):

What can be expected will depend on the underlying disease causing the metabolic acidosis.

Complications:

When very severe, metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death.

Calling your health care provider:

Seek medical treatment if you develop symptoms of any disease that can cause metabolic acidosis.

Insulin production and diabetes

Reviewed last on: 11/15/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.

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