A person's body normally has a pH that is neither too acidic nor overly alkaline. If an individual's pH drops below the normal level of about 7.4, however, he is said to have acidosis. There are two types of acidosis with which a person may be diagnosed: respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis. Respiratory acidosis often develops because a person has a structural problem with his body while metabolic acidosis frequently develops in response to substances a person consumes, illness, or a chronic condition.
Respiration involves the intake of air into the body and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. Sometimes too much carbon dioxide is allowed to remain in the body, and this is among the causes of acidosis. With respiratory acidosis, an overabundance of carbon dioxide results in an imbalance of acids in the affected person's body. A malformation or injury in the chest area can cause this condition, as can overly weak muscles. Long-term lung disease and uncontrolled asthma are also among the possible causes of acidosis.
The overproduction of acid is a common cause of metabolic acidosis, though this condition can also develop when the kidneys fail to flush excess acid out of a person’s body. People are sometimes diagnosed with metabolic acidosis as a result of poorly treated diabetes or low blood sugar. Serious medical conditions like liver failure, kidney disease, and cancer are also among the causes of acidosis. Additionally, a person can develop this condition as result of diarrhea if his body is depleted of a substance called sodium bicarbonate.
The substances a person takes into his body can upset its acid balance as well. For example, a person may develop metabolic acidosis because of the excessive intake of alcohol. Likewise, this condition can develop when a person takes too much aspirin or consumes an alcohol compound called methanol. Using too many drugs that have a sedating effect can also lead to respiratory acidosis.
A person can also develop acidosis because of excessive exercise. This occurs when a person exercises intensely and for a prolonged period of time, causing an excess of lactic acid to form in his muscles and bloodstream. As a result, a person usually begins to feel tired and winded, and his muscles may ache or even develop a burning sensation. Such symptoms usually fade during a break or after the affected individual stops exercising.
Most of the causes of acidosis require evaluation and treatment by a doctor. For example, treating a person's severe diarrhea can correct this condition. The type of acidosis that results from exercise doesn't usually require treatment, however.
