About this topic
Ketoacidosis is a serious problem. It may happen when your body makes too much blood acids called ketones. Ketones are made when your body needs fuel for energy and the sugar inside your body is not the right amount. Fatty acids in the liver and kidney are broken down. These are used to make the fuel. Ketones are made as byproducts of this process. High amounts of ketones in the blood make it more acidic. ‚
Alcoholic ketoacidosis happens when there is too much alcohol use or with malnutrition. Ketones are made after the fat is used for energy. If you continue to not have enough sugar, then more and more ketones will be made. Ketones are an acid. This leads to ketoacidosis. The doctor looks for ketones in your blood or urine to find this condition. ‚
Doctors treat this illness in the hospital by replacing the lost fluids and minerals. This is done by giving you fluids through an I.V. with sugar (dextrose) or salt (saline). This will also help your body have enough sugars to use for fuel. This may help keep you from having other problems with your brain. It is important to treat the problem that is causing the ketoacidosis. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to control the acids and ketones in your body. Take them as ordered.
- Your doctor may give you vitamins. Take them as ordered.
- Learn how to take your own ketone level. Ask your doctor about home kits. Write down your ketone level each time you check it. Take this to your doctor visits.
- Ask your doctor about what level of ketones is not safe for you.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- If you have high blood sugar, control your blood sugar. Keep taking your drugs to treat your high blood sugar.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control blood ketones
- Control blood sugar
- Control acidity of your blood
- Replace nutrients
Will physical activity be limited?
- Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Be sure to add to your fluid intake during exercise, sports, or tiring activities.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Eat foods that are high in sugars and starches like potatoes, corn, bread, pasta, milk, and yogurt.
- Eat foods that are low in fat like fruits and vegetables.
- Talk to your doctor before trying to lose weight.
What problems could happen?
- Liver problems
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Pneumonia
- Muscle twitching, tremors, or trouble using your muscles
- Eyesight changes
- Memory problems
- Hearing or seeing things. These are hallucinations.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Stop or limit how much alcohol you drink. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Ketones in your urine
- Too much thirst
- Passing urine often
- Breath has a fruity smell
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness
- Feeling tired
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how often I need to check my ketone levels.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have too much thirst, pass urine often, or my breath has a fruity smell.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚