The major categories of acidosis are respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis . Respiratory acidosis develops when there are excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the body, primarily caused by decreased breathing. Other names for this include hypercapnic acidosis and carbon dioxide acidosis. There are several types of metabolic acidosis. Hyperchloremic acidosis results from excessive levels of chloride in the blood.
Lactic acidosis is an accumulation of lactic acid .
This can be caused by many conditions, including prolonged lack of oxygen, certain diseases, prolonged exercise , hyperventilation , and medications such as oral medications used to treat diabetes . Prevention or treatment of the underlying causes may prevent some cases of acidosis. Other tests may be needed to determine the cause of the acidosis. Treatment depends on the cause. See the specific types of acidosis.