MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lactic acidosis

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Lactic acidosis

Contents of this page:
Definition Causes Symptoms	Exams and Tests Treatment

Definition

Lactic acidosis is when lactic acid builds ups in the blood stream faster than it can be removed. Lactic acid is produced when oxygen levels in the body drop.

Causes

The most common cause is intensive exercise. However, it can also be caused by certain diseases, such as sepsis, respiratory failure, AIDS, cancer, and kidney failure.

Metformin, a common medicine used to treat diabetes, can also cause lactic acidosis. Persons who take this medicine should have their electrolyte levels checked 1 - 2 weeks after starting it.

Symptoms

Nausea
Weakness

Exams and Tests

Blood tests to check electrolyte levels

Treatment

The primary treatment for lactic acidosis is correcting the underlying medical problem that causes the condition.

Update Date: 10/17/2006

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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