Alcoholic ketoacidosis

Alcoholic ketoacidosis (pronounced: al-ko-hol-ik kee-toh-as-i-doh-sis) is a metabolic complication that can occur in individuals with alcoholism, particularly following a binge in alcohol consumption.

Etymology

The term "alcoholic ketoacidosis" is derived from three words: "alcoholic," referring to the condition's association with alcoholism; "keto," from the Greek word "ketos" meaning "horn" or "sharp," referring to the presence of ketone bodies; and "acidosis," from the Latin "acidus" meaning "sour," referring to the acidic state of the body's fluids.

Definition

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of ketones (acidic substances) in the blood due to excessive alcohol consumption. This occurs when the body, unable to obtain sufficient energy from glucose due to the inhibitory effects of alcohol on gluconeogenesis, begins to break down fat stores, producing ketones as a byproduct.

Symptoms

Symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a specific type of hyperventilation known as Kussmaul breathing. In severe cases, the condition can lead to coma or death.

Treatment

Treatment for alcoholic ketoacidosis typically involves intravenous administration of glucose and electrolytes to correct the metabolic imbalance. In addition, treatment of underlying alcoholism is crucial to prevent recurrence of the condition.

Related Terms

• Ketosis
• Ketoacidosis
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Alcoholism
• Metabolic acidosis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Alcoholic ketoacidosis
• Wikipedia's article - Alcoholic ketoacidosis

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