Alternative Names: Ketoacidosis - alcoholic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This disorder can be a complication of alcohol use, especially excessive alcohol use.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• Breathing difficulty leading, when untreated, to an abnormal breathing pattern
• Irregular deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul's sign)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness and light-headedness
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Changes in mental activity leading to loss of consciousness

Signs and tests:

• Blood and urine tests for excess acids, or ketones, in the body
• Blood chemistry tests
• Tests to quantify the amount of alcohol in the blood

Treatment:

Treatment in the hospital with intravenous fluids and frequent blood draws may be necessary to reverse the acidosis. Occasionally patients require intensive care unit stays.

Support Groups:

Expectations (prognosis):

Prompt medical attention improves the overall prognosis of this condition.

Complications:

This can be a life-threatening disorder.

Calling your health care provider:

If you or�someone else experience�symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis, seek medical attention from an emergency department.

Prevention:

Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels.