Acidosis, the tendency toward overacidity that characterizes certain diseases. The blood is normally slightly alkaline, and is so maintained by blood chemicals and by the action of the lungs and kidneys in removing waste products. Uncorrected acidosis causes disorientation, come, and death.
When extensice loss of fluid results from vomiting or diarrhea, so much alkaline substance may be lost that acidoses develops. The most readily recognized symptoms of acidosis are headache, weakness, rapid breathing, and a fruity odor on the breath. Laboratory tests enable a doctor to make a precise diagnosis of the acid-alkaline balance. The treatment for acidosis consists of replacing the lost fluid, by mouth if possible and by injection into the tissues or veins if necessary, and then determining the basic cause of the condition and implementing appropriate remedial measures.
