Acidosis

Acidosis, medical condition in which the acid-base balance in the body fluids is disturbed in the direction of excess acidity. It can cause heavy breathing and weakness and lead to acidemia. Respiratory acidosis results from the underbreathing and consequent build-up of plasma carbon dioxide caused by lung disease, heart failure, and central respiratory depression. Metabolic acidosis may be caused by the ingestion of excess acids (as in aspirin overdose), ketosis (resulting from malnutrition or diabetes), heavy alkali loss (as from a fistula), and the inability to excrete acid (occurring in some kidney disorders).

See also: Alkalosis.