Metabolic acidosis is a serious health condition that occurs when acid builds up to dangerous levels within your blood. For residents of Houston, Texas, who develop this condition, the team at Renal Clinic of Houston is a wonderful resource for diagnosing and treating metabolic acidosis.
Understanding the symptoms of this condition is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan. We’re happy to delve into some of the signs of metabolic acidosis as well as treatment options.
A balance of acids and bases in your blood is a necessary part of good health. Your kidneys and lungs work continuously to maintain this balance. Like most of the actions that happen behind the scenes to keep you healthy, most people never even think about the blend of acids and bases within their bodies.
But when the acids begin to outnumber the bases, metabolic acidosis develops, and things can quickly go awry. Without treatment, this condition can be life-threatening.
Metabolic acidosis can happen to anyone, but people with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease have an elevated risk. Left untreated, diabetes can also increase your levels of acid. Cancer, low blood sugar, and heavy drinking are also causal factors.
Metabolic acidosis creates a wide range of symptoms, which is why so many people don’t immediately recognize the condition and go undiagnosed for long periods of time. Here are some of the signs of metabolic acidosis:
Sometimes, symptoms develop gradually over time. Because these changes are commonly linked to numerous other health issues, many people live with metabolic acidosis for some time before being properly diagnosed.
A simple blood test is all that’s needed to determine if you have metabolic acidosis.
Once you’re diagnosed, your practitioner creates a customized treatment plan to reach a healthier balance of acids and bases within your blood. Your treatment path is shaped to align with your overall health, as the causes of metabolic acidosis can be complex.
For people with diabetes, managing that condition can go a long way toward easing metabolic acidosis. If toxic substances within your blood are causing or contributing to your condition, clearing those toxins is also important.
Making changes to your daily nutrition can be a powerful way to manage metabolic acidosis. Certain foods and beverages trigger your body to create more acids, which can worsen an imbalance. By shifting to different options, you can improve metabolic acidosis. Often, improving your overall nutrition can also help manage diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Medications are another way to manage metabolic acidosis. Many work to increase the volume of bases in your blood. Drug therapy, while effective, must be administered with a full understanding of any other chronic diseases you may have.
No one knows your body as well as you do. If you sense that something is off, don’t ignore the messages that your body is sending. Coming in for a comprehensive diagnostic exam is the best way to get to the bottom of unusual symptoms and begin a path toward renewed health.
The team at Renal Clinic of Houston is always pleased to welcome new patients into the practice. If you’re searching for answers about your health, we are here to partner with you to better understand how your body is currently functioning.
Just reach out online or by phone to schedule a visit.
