Lactic acidosis occurs when your body makes more lactic acid than it can excrete.You can recover with proper care, but it requires medical treatment.Drugs, alcoholism, infections, diabetes, and malignancy are some of the underlying causes of LA.The treatment depends on what the underlying cause is.After visiting your doctor for an exam, you should follow their instructions to flush the lactic acid from your system.
Step 1: If you experience symptoms of acidosis, contact your doctor.
Lactic acidosis is a potentially serious condition that requires medical treatment if you can fully recover from it.If you spot the condition early, you have a better chance of a complete recovery.If you experience the symptoms of LA, you should contact your doctor right away.Weak muscles, rapid breathing and heart rate, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting are the major symptoms of LA.Jaundice can occur in advanced cases.The symptoms of acidosis can get worse over time.If the LA is caused by a drug or medication, this is common.Inform your doctor if you feel unwell after taking a new medication.If you have trouble breathing or lose consciousness, call the emergency number.
Step 2: Measure the acid in your bloodstream with a blood test.
If your doctor suspects that you are experiencing LA, they will order a blood test to check your lactic acid levels.The doctor will start treatment for lactic acidosis if your levels are high.Lactic acid can be found in the range of 4.5 to 19.8% per deciliter in your blood.Lactic acidosis could be indicated by a higher level.
Step 3: You can increase the level of oxygen in your blood by wearing an oxygen mask.
Replacing your blood oxygen is the first step in combatting LA because it causes your body to produce lactic acid.The doctor will put a mask over your mouth and nose to give you more oxygen.This will make the condition worse by preventing your body from making more lactic acid.The oxygen mask isn't painful.It is a regular treatment.If you were having trouble breathing or were in distress when you went to the doctor, they might put an oxygen mask on you.This is not a new treatment.
Step 4: Lactic acid can be flushed out of your bloodstream with an IV.
Decreased blood volume can cause LA.The doctor will try to replace the fluids with an IV.Your circulation is improved and the acid in your body is flushed out faster.The IV drips may be plain saline or some type of medication.Some types of LA use dichloroacetate.Broad-spectrum antibiotics will be included if your LA was caused by sepsis.
Step 5: Don't use medications that could cause acidosis.
Some drugs can cause LA.Ask your doctor to take you off any medications that could cause the condition.Metformin, inhalers, propofol, and some antibiotics are some of the common medications that can cause LA.Just because you take these medications doesn't mean you'll get LA.Drug reactions are very rare.
Step 6: If your condition was caused by an infection, you should take antibiotics.
Infections are a common cause for LA.This is usually caused by an injury or illness.A heavy treatment of antibiotics in IV form is the most common treatment for sepsis.The doctor may order you to take antibiotics to prevent the infection from coming back.Take all the medication according to the doctor's instructions.If you want to prevent the growth of antibiotic-resistantbacteria, finish the entire course of antibiotics.People with underlying health issues are more likely to suffer from Sepsis.
Step 7: If you have low blood oxygen concentration, use supplemental oxygen.
If you don't get enough oxygen, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen to keep your blood concentration up.Oxygen can be delivered directly into your lungs by using an oxygen tank and mask.This helps remove the acid from the air.The tank should be used as per your doctor's instructions.Low blood oxygen concentration can be caused by breathing disorders.If you have COPD, severe asthma, or lung cancer, you are at higher risk.Open flames or smoke around the tank can be dangerous.
Step 8: If the LA was from a problem with the kidneys, you should get a renal replacement therapy.
Sometimes LA is caused by a problem with your kidneys.The term ren replacement therapy refers to the removal of harmful toxins from your body.Depending on what caused your LA and how well your kidneys are functioning, you can get a specific type.Deficiency is a common cause ofrenal replacement therapy.Hemofiltration is one of the types.Each one involves injecting drugs into your veins and using an IV to get rid of waste.The treatments use different types of drugs.All of these treatments require regular visits to your doctor or a clinic.The treatments do not cure the diseases, but they help them function normally.
Step 9: Don't drink if you drink too much.
Heavy alcohol use can cause LA.If you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day, it is considered excessive.This could have a negative impact on your health, making you more vulnerable to LA.If you drink a lot, either reduce or stop.If you have been drinking a lot for a long time, you may need help to stop.You can enter a program with the help of a counselor.
Step 10: Smoking can cause your immune system to weaken.
Smoking makes you more vulnerable to infections.If you get an injury, it could lead to sepsis.It's possible to quit smoking to benefit your health.Don't start if you're not currently smoking.This is the best way to prevent long-term damage.