Acidosis is a term that is commonly used in the medical field to describe a condition where the pH level of the blood becomes too acidic. This can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acidosis, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Acidosis is a medical condition characterized by an excess of acid in the blood. It occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys are unable to remove enough acid from the body. There are two types of acidosis: respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis.
Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide from the body, leading to an increase in acidity. This can be caused by conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea.
Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body due to a build-up of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. This can be caused by conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or alcoholism.
Origin
The word acidosis comes from the Greek words “acid-” meaning sour and “-osis” meaning condition. The term was first used in the medical field in the early 20th century to describe a condition where the pH level of the blood became too acidic.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acidosis is defined as “an abnormal condition characterized by an accumulation of acid or depletion of alkaline reserves in the body.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines acidosis as “a pathological condition in which the body fluids become more acidic than normal, often as a result of a failure of the lungs or kidneys to maintain the correct balance of acids and bases.”
Associations
Acidosis is often associated with a range of health problems, including kidney disease, diabetes, alcoholism, and lung disease. It can also be caused by certain medications or poisoning.
Symptoms of acidosis may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, acidosis can lead to coma or even death.
Synonyms
Synonyms of acidosis include acidemia, acidification, and acidotic.
Antonyms
Antonyms of acidosis include alkalosis, which is a condition where the pH level of the blood becomes too alkaline.
The same root words
The same root words as acidosis include acid, acidic, and acidify.
Example Sentences
- The patient was diagnosed with metabolic acidosis due to their kidney disease.
- Respiratory acidosis can be caused by conditions such as COPD or sleep apnea.
- The doctor prescribed medication to treat the patient’s acidosis.
- Alkalosis is the opposite of acidosis, where the blood becomes too alkaline.
- The patient experienced symptoms of acidosis, such as fatigue and confusion.