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{{Infobox medical condition
| name = Metabolic acidosis
| definition = A process decreasing pH due to metabolic process
| cause = Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (ketoacidosis), shock (lactic acidosis), chronic kidney disease
| symptoms = Nonspecific symptoms. Hyperventilation.
| treatment = Management of underlying cause. Bicarbonate if severe
| complications = Ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure
| types = High anion gap metabolic acidosis, normal anion gap metabolic acidosis
}}
'''Metabolic acidosis''' is an acid-base disorder characterised by a metabolic pathological process which decreases the pH of the blood. If the acidosis is severe, it can overcome the body's defense against acidosis, causes the pH in the blood to fall below 7.35. This is called [[acidaemia]].   
'''Metabolic acidosis''' is an acid-base disorder characterised by a metabolic pathological process which decreases the pH of the blood. If the acidosis is severe, it can overcome the body's defense against acidosis, causes the pH in the blood to fall below 7.35. This is called [[acidaemia]].   


[[Respiratory acidosis]] is similar but is rather due to a respiratory problem. [[Metabolic alkalosis]] is sort of the opposite of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is the most common acid-base disorder.
[[Respiratory acidosis]] is similar but is rather due to a respiratory problem. [[Metabolic alkalosis]] is sort of the opposite of metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is the most common acid-base disorder.
Severe acidaemia is fatal due to [[ventricular arrhythmia]] or [[heart failure]].


== Types ==
== Types ==
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As metabolic acidosis is not a disease of itself but rather a consequence, the underlying disease must be identified and treated. This will reverse the metabolic acidosis.
As metabolic acidosis is not a disease of itself but rather a consequence, the underlying disease must be identified and treated. This will reverse the metabolic acidosis.


Administration of intravenous bicarbonate is usually reserved for the most severe cases where pH < 7.1. However, there is controversy as to when exactly bicarbonate administration is indicated.
Administration of intravenous bicarbonate in case of acute metabolic acidosis is usually reserved for the most severe cases where pH < 7.1. However, there is controversy as to when exactly bicarbonate administration is indicated.
 
In case of chronic metabolic acidosis, usually due to chronic kidney disease, bicarbonate is indicated.
 
== Complications ==
Severe acidaemia can cause fatal [[Ventricular arrhythmias|ventricular arrhythmia]] and depression of cardiac contractility, which may cause heart failure.
[[Category:Pathophysiology]]