Acidosis

Acidosis is an imbalance in which the blood and body fluids become too acidic. It reflects a disturbance in the balance between acids and bases that the body normally keeps stable.

Common causes: It can arise from respiratory problems that retain carbon dioxide or from metabolic disorders, such as certain kidney diseases or the poor control of some conditions.

Common symptoms: Fatigue, rapid breathing, confusion, or nausea may appear depending on the cause and the severity of the imbalance.

Which specialist treats it? Its evaluation falls to the internist and, in acute situations, to the emergency physician; the gastroenterologist may intervene depending on the cause. Since it usually reflects another underlying condition, the prudent course is to seek medical evaluation to identify the cause.