Metabolic acidosis

Updated: 2023-10-28

Description

A condition in which too much acid builds up in the body.

Overview

Metabolic acidosis can happen because the body makes too much acid or gets rid of too little. Causes can include kidney disease, severe diarrhea, or taking in too much alcohol or large doses of aspirin.

Symptoms

Symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and extreme tiredness.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the cause. If a substance such as alcohol or aspirin is the cause, not using them might restore the body's natural acid balance. A salt called sodium bicarbonate can reduce acid in the blood.