METABOLIC ACIDOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Metabolic acidosis is a medical condition characterized by an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance, resulting in an excessive accumulation of acid or a decrease in bicarbonate levels. It occurs when the body produces too much acid, fails to remove acid properly, or loses excessive bicarbonate.
The condition is typically caused by underlying factors such as kidney dysfunction, lactic acidosis, malnutrition, diabetic ketoacidosis, or certain medications. It may also occur as a result of severe diarrhea or vomiting, leading to a loss of bicarbonate and an increase in acid levels. In metabolic acidosis, the kidneys try to compensate by excreting more acid and retaining bicarbonate, but this mechanism may not be sufficient to correct the imbalance.
Signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis may include rapid breathing, confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and an increased heart rate. Severe cases can result in shock or even coma if left untreated.
Diagnosis of metabolic acidosis involves blood tests to measure the levels of electrolytes, bicarbonate, and acid. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and restore the acid-base balance. This may involve intravenous fluids to restore hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances, medications to eliminate excess acid, or specific treatments for the underlying cause. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and restore normal acid-base balance.
Common Misspellings for METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
- netabolic acidosis
- ketabolic acidosis
- jetabolic acidosis
- mwtabolic acidosis
- mstabolic acidosis
- mdtabolic acidosis
- mrtabolic acidosis
- m4tabolic acidosis
- m3tabolic acidosis
- merabolic acidosis
- mefabolic acidosis
- megabolic acidosis
- meyabolic acidosis
- me6abolic acidosis
- me5abolic acidosis
- metzbolic acidosis
- metsbolic acidosis
- metwbolic acidosis
- metqbolic acidosis
Etymology of METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
The word "metabolic" is derived from the Greek word "metabolē", which means change or transformation. "Acidosis" is derived from the Greek word "acidus", meaning sour or acidic. When broken down, "acidosis" consists of two components: "acid-" which relates to acidity, and "-osis" which denotes a pathological condition. Thus, "metabolic acidosis" refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in acidity in the body due to an underlying metabolic disturbance.
Similar spelling words for METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
