This is a series of consequences and characteristics

To work and function properly, the body must always be in the ideal pH range. Quoted from Medicine Net, normal body pH levels range in the neutral range, tend to be alkaline. To be precise, it is 7.35 to 7.45. A pH level that is less than 7 is said to be acidic and if it is more than 7 it is considered alkaline. Well, if the body's pH is acidic or even too alkaline, the function of the body organs and the work of the body's metabolism can be disrupted.

How severe will it be if the body's pH is acidic? The following is a complete explanation of lactic acidosis, which is a condition in which the body's pH is too acidic.

What is lactic acidosis?

Lactic acidosis is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much lactic acid so that the body is unable to digest it quickly. As a result, the buildup of these substances causes the body's pH level to be unbalanced and too acidic.

This buildup occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the muscles to break down glucose and glycogen. Lack of oxygen is usually the result of a serious infection or too much exercise. Acid spikes also occur in the blood.

There are two types of lactic acid namely L-lactic and D-lactic. Generally, most of the lactic acidodis is caused due to too much L-lactate in the body.

Based on the type, lactic acidosis is divided into two types, namely:

1. Type A

This acidic body pH condition is related to tissue hypoxia, in which the body is deprived of oxygen. This condition is also caused by fairly critical illnesses such as sepsis and septic shock, or acute medical conditions, including those involving the heart system, blood vessels, and liver. Type A also includes lactic acidosis caused by excessive exercise.

2. Type B

Type B lactic acidosis is not related to tissue hypoxia and can be caused by health problems such as kidney disease and certain cancers.

Type B lactic acidosis is also associated with the use of several types of drugs such as diabetes mellitus type 2 drugs and HIV. In addition, excessive drinking and chronic liver disease can also be causes of type B lactic acidosis.

Characteristics and symptoms of lactic acidosis

Usually, the symptoms of lactic acidosis are similar to those of other diseases. However, be aware of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.

• Muscle pain or cramps
• Stomach ache
• Body and muscles feel weak
• Unbearable feeling of tiredness, lethargy, and sleepiness
• Your appetite goes down
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• The body feels bad
• Breath hunting
• Sweating
• Coma

Symptoms of lactic acidosis that require immediate help and include medical emergencies, namely:

• Experiencing disorientation or absent-mindedness
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Breath hunting until it is difficult to breathe
• Heartbeat faster than usual
• Sour or sour breath that can indicate ketoacidosis (part of a serious complication of diabetes)

Causes acidic body pH

The condition of the pH of the acidic body can be caused by several things. Among others are:

• Heart disease. Conditions such as cardiac arrest and congestive heart failure can reduce blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, thereby increasing levels of lactic acid in the body.
• Severe infection (sepsis). Any kind of severe viral or bacterial infection can cause sepsis and usually increases the level of lactic acid in the body.
• HIV medicine. Antiretroviral therapy used in people with HIV can increase lactic acid levels because it causes liver damage which makes it more difficult for the body to process and digest this particular substance.
• Cancer. Cancer cells can cause an increase in lactic acid due to a person losing weight quite drastically.
• Acetaminophen drugs. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a pain reliever and fever drug that can cause lactic acidosis, even when taken in the right dosage. This drug can cause pyroglutamic acid to build up in the blood.
• Drink excessively alcohol. The habit of drinking alcohol to excess can increase phosphate levels which will have a negative impact on the kidneys. As a result, the pH of the body becomes more acidic.
  
• Strenuous physical activity. Temporary buildup of lactic acid can be caused by exercising too hard so that the body lacks oxygen to break down glucose in the blood.
  
• Diabetes. Metformin, one of the oral medications for diabetes can cause a buildup of lactic acid in the body.

Treatment options for lactic acidosis

The best way to balance the pH of an acidic body aka lactic acidosis is to treat the underlying cause. The treatment options include:

• Intravenous (infusion) fluids to improve circulation so as to reduce lactic acid levels.
• Oxygen therapy.
• Vitamin therapy.
• The process of washing the blood with bicarbonate.

It is also important to maintain body fluid balance and get adequate sleep if you experience lactic acid buildup. Especially after you exercise too hard. Getting the right treatment through an accurate diagnosis is one of the keys to the successful treatment of lactic acidosis. Additionally, prevent lactic acidosis by managing its multiple causes.