Acidosis

[Jessica]

defined as an increase in the acidity of the blood or other body tissues.

[Becky]

Acidosis is caused by an overproduction of acid that builds up in the blood or an excessive loss of bicarbonate from the blood (metabolic acidosis) or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood that results from poor lung function or depressed breathing (respiratory acidosis).

Blood acidity increases when people ingest substances that contain or produce acid or when the lungs do not expel enough carbon dioxide.
People with metabolic acidosis often have nausea, vomiting, and fatigue and may breathe faster and deeper than normal.
People with respiratory acidosis often have headache and confusion, and breathing may appear shallow, slow, or both.
Tests on blood samples typically show pH below the normal range.
Doctors treat the cause of the acidosis.

(See also Overview of Acid-Base Balance.)
If an increase in acid overwhelms the body