Causes Of Metabolic Acidosis

Kidney Failure

The kidneys play a large role in balancing the body's acid levels by removing waste from the blood. Individuals who are in kidney (renal) failure require dialysis, a treatment that performs the kidneys' tasks. Standard dialysis treatment is three times per week, but some patients need to go every day.

Without dialysis, individuals with kidney disease and renal failure will experience a build-up of acid in their bloodstream (metabolic acidosis). Doctors may also prescribe sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate pills to treat metabolic acidosis brought on by renal failure. Not everyone experiences symptoms, but those who do might experience a rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, vomiting, a loss of appetite, confusion, and extreme fatigue.