acidosis

views updated May 21 2018

acidosis (asid-oh-sis) n. a condition in which the acidity of body fluids and tissues is abnormally high. This arises because of a failure of the mechanisms responsible for maintaining a balance between acids and alkalis in the blood (see acid-base balance). See also ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis.
acidotic (asid-ot-ik) adj.

acidosis

views updated May 18 2018

acidosis An increase in the acidity of blood plasma to below the normal range of pH 7.3–7.45, resulting from a loss of the buffering capacity of the plasma, alteration in the excretion of carbon dioxide, excessive loss of base from the body, or metabolic overproduction of acids.

acidosis

views updated Jun 08 2018

acidosis A condition in which the body fluids become more acidic, i.e. the pH is less than 7.4, and the capacity of the body to buffer hydrogen ions is diminished. A decrease in the elimination of carbon dioxide from the body gives rise to respiratory acidosis, while a deficiency of hydrogencarbonate results in metabolic acidosis.

acidosis

views updated Jun 27 2018

acidosis Abnormal condition in which the acidity of the body tissues and fluids is unduly high. It may arise in a number of conditions, including kidney failure, severe diabetes, shock and some forms of poisoning. Symptoms include breathlessness, weakness and general malaise.