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acidosis
(as″ĭ-do´sis)
the accumulation of acid and hydrogen ions or depletion of the alkaline reserve (bicarbonate content) in the blood and body
tissues, resulting in a decrease in pH.
a pathologic condition resulting from this process, characterized by increase in hydrogen ion concentration (decrease in pH). The optimal acid-base balance is maintained by chemical buffers, biologic activities of the cells, and effective functioning of the lungs and kidneys. Acidosis usually occurs secondary
to some underlying disease process; the two major types, distinguished according to cause, are metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis. In mild cases the symptoms may be overlooked; in severe cases symptoms are more obvious and may include muscle twitching,
involuntary movement, cardiac arrhythmias, disorientation, and coma. The opposite of acidosis is alkalosis. adj., acidot´ic., adj.
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