Body's Chemical Messenger: Functions Within and Effects on Physical Activity
**Common Causes and Symptoms of Lactic Acidosis**
Lactic acidosis is a condition characterized by an elevated level of lactate in the blood, often due to an imbalance between lactate production and elimination. This condition can be a complication of various health conditions and is typically diagnosed through a blood test.
There are two main types of lactic acidosis: Type A and Type B. Type A lactic acidosis is associated with tissue hypoxia and is commonly caused by hypoxia (reduced oxygen delivery to tissues), infection, cardiac issues, severe trauma, and sepsis. On the other hand, Type B lactic acidosis occurs without hypoxia and can be caused by metformin-associated lactic acidosis due to renal impairment or excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, and other medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
The symptoms of lactic acidosis are often nonspecific and can include malaise, myalgias (muscle pains), respiratory distress, somnolence (drowsiness), abdominal pain, cold extremities, hypothermia, hypotension (low blood pressure), and resistant bradyarrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
If left untreated, both hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis can lead to severe, potentially fatal complications. Early recognition and management of lactic acidosis are crucial to improve outcomes. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and providing supportive care, such as supporting circulation and ventilation, sodium bicarbonate therapy, mechanical ventilation, electrolyte correction, and monitoring blood lactate levels.
Anyone experiencing possible symptoms of lactic acidosis or hyperlactatemia should consult a doctor immediately. It is essential to note that lactic acid and lactate are not responsible for muscles soreness or burning sensations from exercise.
Heart failure, shock, and severe infections can reduce blood oxygen levels, increasing the concentration of lactic acid in the blood and potentially causing lactic acidosis. Similarly, liver damage and liver disease can impair the body's ability to remove lactate from the blood, potentially leading to high blood lactate levels (hyperlactatemia) and, in some cases, lactic acidosis.
Lactic acid plays a vital role in the functioning of cells, tissues, and organs, serving as a major energy source for mitochondria, a precursor for producing glucose, and a signaling molecule. Contrary to previous beliefs, lactic acid production is fully aerobic, meaning it occurs during normal respiration, not solely when muscles are low on oxygen. Muscle soreness after exercise occurs due to microdamage to muscles, not the result of lactic acid buildup in the muscles.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lactic acidosis. Retrieved from
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