Lactic acidosis refers to lactic acid build up in the bloodstream. Lactic acid is produced when oxygen levels become low in cells within the areas of the body where metabolism takes place or in response to sympathetic overactivity related to epinephrine-type substances or exercise.

Causes

The most common cause of lactic acidosis is severe medical illness in which blood pressure is low and too little oxygen is reaching the body's tissues. Intense exercise or convulsions can cause temporary lactic acidosis. Certain diseases can also cause the condition, including:

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

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• Alcoholism
• Cancer
• Cirrhosis

  Cirrhosis

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• Cyanide poisoning
• Kidney failure
• Respiratory failure

  Respiratory failure

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• Sepsis (severe infection)

  Sepsis

  Sepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs.

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Some medicines can rarely cause lactic acidosis:

• Beta adrenergic agonist inhalers used to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (albuterol and salmeterol)

  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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• Epinephrine
• Linezolid
• Metformin, used to treat diabetes (most often when overdosed)
• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used to treat HIV infection
• Propofol

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Muscle cramping
• Shortness of breath

Exams and Tests

Tests may include a blood test to check lactate and electrolyte levels.

Treatment

The main treatment for lactic acidosis is to correct the medical problem that causes the condition.

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