Metabolic acidosis is a condition that occurs when the body produces excessive quantities of acid or when the
kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body. If unchecked, metabolic acidosis leads to
acidemia, i.e., blood
pH is low (less than 7.35) due to
increased production of
hydrogen ions by the body or the inability of the body to form
bicarbonate (HCO
3-) in the kidney. Its causes are diverse, and its consequences can be serious, including
coma and
death. Together with
respiratory acidosis, it is one of the two general causes of acidemia.