What is metabolic acidosis?

3 December 2025

Metabolic acidosis refers to an excessive buildup of acid in the body. It is very common in people with kidney damage or kidney failure, as the kidneys can’t properly filter the blood and remove enough acid from the body.

Metabolic acidosis can be mild or chronic. It is classified by its cause into:

  • Diabetic
  • Renal (kidney-related)
  • Hyperchloremic
  • Poisoning from aspirin, ethylene glycol, or methanol
  • Lactic

Signs and symptoms Metabolic Acidosis

Some people may not have any symptoms, but they typically include:

  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Vomiting

If metabolic acidosis is not treated promptly, it can lead to a number of risks and complications that can threaten a person’s health or life, including:

  • Amyloid protein buildup in the body, affecting joints, the brain, and organs
  • Widespread inflammation
  • Kidney failure
  • Osteoporosis
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Endocrine disorders

Diagnosis and treatment Metabolic Acidosis

A doctor will analyze your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical exam, and order a variety of tests, including:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Arterial or venous blood gas test
  • Basic metabolic panel

Treatment for metabolic acidosis is based on its cause, but it usually includes:

  • Dietary changes
  • Taking sodium bicarbonate, calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, or calcium acetate
  • Intravenous fluid therapy

At the ABC Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine, we provide high-quality, safe medical care, from prevention and diagnosis to timely treatment and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrine, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions. We treat both chronic and acute illnesses using a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.

Related centers and departments Metabolic Acidosis

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • kidneyfund.org
  • nefrologiaaldia.org
  • cus.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Sánchez-Díaz JS, Peniche-Moguel KG, Martínez-Rodríguez EA, et al. Acidosis metabólica: de principio a fin. Med Int Mex. 2022;38(5):1050-1062.
  • León-Ortiz AG, Pérez-Martínez P, Pozas-Ocampo LE, et al. Replacement therapy for metabolic acidosis with hyperlactatemia secondary to acute metformin intoxication. Med Int Mex. 2021;37(6):1114-1119.

How can we help you?

    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.