Metabolic acidosis is a serious condition where the body produces too much acid or the kidneys cannot remove enough acid, leading to dangerously low blood pH levels. It is caused by kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis), lactic acid buildup, or poisoning from substances like aspirin or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). The Anion Gap Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it calculates the difference between electrolytes to identify the underlying cause of the acid imbalance.
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Metabolic acidosis is caused by kidney disease that prevents acid removal, uncontrolled diabetes leading to diabetic ketoacidosis, severe infections or shock causing lactic acid buildup, or poisoning from substances like aspirin, methanol, or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). Your kidneys normally remove excess acid from your blood, but when they fail or your body produces too much acid too quickly, the blood becomes dangerously acidic. This disrupts normal cell function and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
The Anion Gap Panel is the most important test for metabolic acidosis because it calculates the difference between positively charged electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and negatively charged electrolytes (chloride, bicarbonate) to determine what type of acidosis you have. This calculation helps doctors identify whether the acidosis is caused by kidney disease, diabetes, lactic acid buildup, or poisoning. The Carbon Dioxide blood test is also essential as it measures how low your CO2 levels have dropped, which indicates how severe the acidosis is and how hard your body is working to compensate. For suspected poisoning cases, the Ethylene Glycol Urine test detects antifreeze ingestion, a specific and dangerous cause of metabolic acidosis.
You should get tested if you experience rapid, deep breathing (your body trying to blow off excess acid), extreme fatigue or confusion, persistent nausea and vomiting, or if you have diabetes and notice fruity-smelling breath. People with chronic kidney disease, severe diarrhea lasting more than a day, or suspected poisoning exposure should seek testing immediately. Testing is also critical if you feel unusually weak or your heart is racing without explanation, as these can be signs your blood has become too acidic.
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What this means
Your potassium level is slightly below the optimal range, which can contribute to muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramping. Low potassium may result from dehydration, certain medications, or inadequate dietary intake, and it's important to address to maintain proper heart and muscle function.
Recommended actions
Include more potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and avocados in your diet
Stay properly hydrated throughout the day, especially if exercising or in hot weather
Review medications with your doctor that may affect potassium levels like diuretics
Retest in 4-6 weeks after dietary changes to ensure levels normalize
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