Lactic acidosis is a form of acidosis when lactic acid builds up in the body. Lactic acidosis can be caused by intense physical activity, certain diseases, and some medications. Acidosis is a general term that refers to high levels of acid in the body. Acidosis also consists of several types with specific causes. One of the most common types of acidosis is lactic acidosis.
Know what lactic and lactic acidosis are Lactic acidosis is a frightening form of acidosis with excess levels of lactic acid in the body. Lactic acid levels can be excess friendly, the body produces too much or too little. A person who has lactic acidosis has a problem with liver function to get rid of excess lactic acid. If more lactic acid has accumulated than is wasted, the acid level in the blood and other body fluids will increase. The buildup of acids, including lactic acid, can affect the balance of acids and bases (pH) in the body. This is certainly dangerous because the pH level of the body must be slightly more alkaline, not acidic. The process of lactic acidosis can be very fast, that is, within minutes or hours. Some cases of this acidic acidosis can also occur slowly, that is, in a few days. Lactic acidosis that is harmless can be severe and a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis Symptoms of lactic acidosis are difficult to recognize because of the many similarities with symptoms of other diseases. The following are symptoms of lactic acidosis that are important to note: 1. Symptoms of lactic acidosis in severe cases In emergency cases, lactic acidosis can have the following symptoms: severe disorientation and confusion Jaundice, namely yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Respiratory problems, such as short and rapid breaths The heart beats fast 2. Other symptoms of lactic acidosis In addition to the symptoms that state the emergency case above, lactic acidosis can also show the following symptoms: Muscle pain and cramps Overall body discomfort Stomach pain and discomfort in the stomach The body becomes weak The body is tired and lethargic Great sleepiness Decreased appetite Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting Headache.
The above symptoms of lactic acidosis can indicate a life-threatening condition. For this reason, if you feel some of the symptoms above, seeking emergency help is highly recommended. Various causes of lactic acidosis Lactic acidosis can be caused by intense physical activity, certain diseases, and some medications. 1. Intense physical activity Intense and strenuous physical activity can trigger the body to lack oxygen to break down glucose into energy. However, the body can also convert lactate into energy without using oxygen so that lactic acid will accumulate in the bloodstream. If the buildup of lactic acid occurs too quickly even though the body has not burned it much, lactic acidosis is also at risk. Lactic acidosis during exercise is usually temporary and tends not to be an emergency condition. 2. Certain diseases Various types of diseases can trigger lactic acidosis. These diseases include: Cancer Seizures Liver failure Vitamin B deficiency Sepsis, which is inflammation in all parts of the body due to a severe infection Heart failure Severe trauma Shock, such as cardiogenic shock (the heart can't pump blood) and hypovolemic shock (a decrease in blood levels and large amounts of fluids in the body) Kidney disorders Diabetes mellitus 3. Medicines Several types of drugs can trigger lactic acidosis, such as metformin for diabetes. All types of ARV drugs in the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) group, which doctors prescribe for patients with HIV, can also trigger lactic acidosis. How do doctors treat lactic acidosis? Because lactic acidosis can be caused by various things, the handling will also rely on the causes above. While doctors diagnose the exact cause of lactic acidosis in a patient or the cause is unknown, the doctor will treat this condition to improve blood circulation and oxygen flow in the body. To achieve this goal, the doctor will do it in the following ways: Giving fluids through infusion to improve oxygen circulation Increased amount of oxygen into the patient's body tissues Positive pressure ventilation to deliver oxygen to the lungs Vitamin therapy Hemodialysis with bicarbonate.
In the case of lactic acidosis due to physical activity, you must stop activities immediately, rest, and stay hydrated by consuming enough mineral water.
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