Alcoholic ketoacidosis
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the build up of ketones in the blood. Ketones are a type of acid that form when the body breaks down fat for energy.
The condition is an acute form of metabolic acidosis.
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by alcohol use, usually excessive.
- 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
Treatment may involve fluids given through a vein. You may need to have your blood taken frequently.
Some people with this condition need to stay in the intensive care unit of a hospital.
If you or someone else has symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis, seek emergency medical help.
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