acidosis

In medicine, a condition characterized by the body's production of abnormal acids or by a reduction in the alkali reserve of the blood. A mild form of acidosis may occur in children with severe fevers. Symptoms include vomiting, thirst, restlessness, and lassitude. Acidosis may be detected by the presence of ketones in the urine.

Acidosis is usually caused by faulty fat metabolism and is associated with untreated or inadequately treated diabetes, starvation, persistent vomiting, and the final stages of kidney failure The main aim of treatment is to treat the underlying disease. Insulin should be given to patients with diabetes, otherwise a state of coma may occur that can be fatal. Alkalis should be given to treat patients with acidosis due to other causes. They can be given by mouth or, if the patient is unconscious or experiencing persistent vomiting, they can be given by intravenous infusion. Adequate fluid intake is necessary to ensure acidosis is corrected.