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What is lactic acidosis?
11 December 2025
It is a low-incidence metabolic condition characterized by the accumulation of lactic acid in the blood due to a decrease in oxygen levels in the cells. This can result from side effects of certain HIV drugs, intense physical activity, seizure episodes, or the presence of certain diseases.
Lactic acidosis manifests gradually, most frequently in women and individuals who are overweight or obese and are taking certain medications. It can evolve rapidly and become life-threatening due to a lack of oxygen in body tissues.
Two types of lactic acidosis are known:
- Type A: This is the most severe type and occurs when an excessive amount of lactic acid is synthesized in ischemic tissue.
- Type B: This is a rare form of lactic acidosis.
The presence of certain diseases can also trigger the onset of lactic acidosis, such as:
- Oncological conditions (cancers).
- Cirrhosis.
- Cyanide poisoning.
- Kidney failure.
- Respiratory failure.
- Sepsis.
- HIV/AIDS.
Signs and symptoms Lactic Acidosis
- Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination).
- Chronic fatigue.
- Confusion.
- Nausea.
- Decrease in body weight.
- Vomiting.
Lactic acidosis can worsen, manifesting the following:
- Weakness.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes).
- Accelerated heart rate.
- Cold and clammy skin.
- Rapid breathing.
- Excessive sweating.
Diagnosis and treatment Lactic Acidosis
The doctor will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, then perform a physical examination and request a blood test to measure electrolyte levels and the level of lactate in the blood.
Treatment primarily consists of addressing the cause of the lactic acidosis, depending on its type. If a medication is the cause, it will be discontinued immediately. Intravenous or oral antibiotics may also be required, as well as a restriction of carbohydrates in the diet.
In the Department of Internal Medicine at Centro Médico ABC, we provide the highest quality and safest medical care services, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrine, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies—covering both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute cases—through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.
Related centers and departments Lactic Acidosis
Fuentes:
- nih.gov
- cun.es
- elsevier.es
- anestesiar.org
- mayoclinic.org
- medlineplus.gov
- msdmanuals.com
- medigraphic.com
- Mellado-Orellana R, Ortega-Chavarría MJ, Rojas-Velasco G, et al. Acidosis láctica por metformina, manejo con diferentes estrategias de sustitución renal. Med Int Mex. 2022;38(2):457-466.
- Dehesa-López E, Hernández-Quintero DA, Peña-Peredia HG, et al. Un caso raro de acidosis láctica persistente. Med Int Mex. 2017;33(3):415-420.
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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