Biology

Difference Between Metabolic Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis

Metabolic Acidosis vs Metabolic Alkalosis

Summary: Difference Between Metabolic Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis is that Metabolic acidosis is the acid-base imbalance characterized by excess accumulation of organic acids in the body, which is caused by abnormal metabolic processes. While Metabolic alkalosis is the acid-base imbalance caused by loss of excess H+ resulting in increased HCO3 – concentration.

Difference Between Metabolic Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is the acid-base imbalance characterized by excess accumulation of organic acids in the body, which is caused by abnormal metabolic processes. Organic acids such as lactic acid, ketoacids and uric acid are formed by normal metabolism. The quantity of these acids increases due to abnormality in the metabolism.

Causes of Metabolic Acidosis

Lactic acid

The amount of lactic acid increases during anaerobic glycolysis in some abnormal conditions such as circulatory shock.

Ketoacids

The amount of ketoacids increases because of insulin deficiency as in the case of diabetes mellitus. In diabetes mellitus, glucose is not utilized due to lack of insulin. So, lipids are utilized for liberation of energy resulting in production of excess acetoacetic acid and beta hydroxybutyric acid.

Uric Acid

The amount of uric acid increases in the body due to the failure of excretion. Normally uric acid is excreted by kidneys. But in renal diseases, the kidneys fail to excrete the uric acid. Some of the conditions when the metabolic acids increase in the body resulting in metabolic acidosis are listed in image below.

Conditions when the metabolic acids increase in the body

Metabolic Alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis is the acid-base imbalance caused by loss of excess H+ resulting in increased HCO3 – concentration. Some of the endocrine disorders, renal tubular disorders, etc. cause metabolic disorders leading to loss of H+. It increases HCO3 – and pH in the body leading to metabolic alkalosis. Some of the conditions when excess H+ is lost and HCO3 – content increases leading to metabolic alkalosis are given in image below.

Conditions when excess H+ is lost and HCO3 – content increases

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