If the acid-base balance is off within your body, severe complications can develop. At Southern Kidney Specialists, with locations throughout Middle Tennessee, the outstanding nephrology team treats acid-base disorders to eliminate toxin buildup in your body. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment, or book one online today!
Acid-base disorders are conditions in which there is too much acid or too much alkalinity in your body fluids. The specific disorder you have indicates the symptoms you’ll develop and the type of treatment you need to balance the acids and bases in your body and minimize the risk of life-threatening medical problems.
Common forms of acid-base disorders include:
Metabolic acidosis causes too much acid to build up in your body fluids. It may appear when your kidneys don’t remove enough acid from the body. It can result from uncontrolled diabetes, severe diarrhea, kidney disease, lactic acid buildup, poisoning, or extreme dehydration.
If you have metabolic alkalosis, your body holds too much bicarbonate (a base). It may appear for a variety of reasons, such as repeated vomiting, dehydration, abnormal fluid buildup, poisoning, medication or dietary supplement overuse, and complications of the heart, kidneys, or liver.
Electrolyte imbalances, cystic fibrosis, high aldosterone levels, and low chloride levels can also contribute to metabolic alkalosis.
Respiratory alkalosis may appear if you breathe in too quickly or deeply, causing your lungs to eliminate too much carbon dioxide.
The common signs and symptoms of acid-base disorders vary based on the type of disorder you have and may include:
Acid-base disorders can even lead to death when left untreated.
The Southern Kidney Specialists team uses various methods to diagnose acid-base disorders. They discuss your symptoms and medical history, check your vital signs, and complete a physical exam.
You might need blood tests, urinalysis, or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check for heart arrhythmias.
The Southern Kidney Specialists team tailors each treatment for acid-base disorders based on the specific disorder you have. You might need to take oral medications, make medication changes, or receive fluids and electrolytes or medications intravenously through one of your veins.
You may also have to stop taking certain medications, such as diuretics.
Prevention measures include properly controlling diabetes, kidney disease, and other chronic diseases.
At the first sign of acid-base disorders, see the Southern Kidney Specialists team for an evaluation. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.