Learn About Alcoholic Ketoacidosis
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the buildup of ketones in the blood due to alcohol use. 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, a condition in which there is too much acid in body fluids.
Ketoacidosis - alcoholic; Alcohol use - alcoholic ketoacidosis
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by very heavy alcohol use. It most often occurs in a malnourished person who drinks large amounts of alcohol every day.
Symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Agitation, confusion
- Changed level of alertness, which may lead to coma
- Fatigue, slow movements
- Deep, labored, rapid breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and thirst
Treatment may involve fluids (salt and sugar solution) given through a vein. You may need to have frequent blood tests. You may get vitamin supplements to treat malnutrition caused by excessive alcohol use.
People with this condition are usually admitted to the hospital, often to the intensive care unit (ICU). Alcohol use is stopped to help recovery. Medicines may be given to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Philip Huffman is an Internal Medicine provider in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Huffman and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis. His top areas of expertise are Costochondritis, Tietz Syndrome, Anemia, and Dehydration. Dr. Huffman is currently accepting new patients.
Geisinger Clinic
Kenneth Tomczyk is a Family Medicine provider in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Tomczyk and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis. His top areas of expertise are Hypoparathyroidism-Intellectual Disability-Dysmorphism Syndrome, Rommen Mueller Sybert Syndrome, Pena-Shokeir Syndrome Type 2, Endoscopy, and Pacemaker Implantation.
Optum Internal Medicine And Infectious Disease - Murray
Dr. Newton is a board certified family medicine physician with nearly ten years of experience. He follows the philosophy that gestures as simple as open communication, a smile, and a positive attitude can put patients at ease and allow for a partnership in their health care. Dr. Newton has a particular interest in preventative medicine, mental health, sports medicine and the use of lifestyle modifications in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease. Outside of medicine, he enjoys distance/ultrarunning, world travel and reading. Dr. Newton is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis. His top areas of expertise are Obesity in Children, Alcoholic Neuropathy, Alcoholic Ketoacidosis, and Hypertension.
Prompt medical attention improves the overall outlook. How severe the alcohol use is, and the presence of liver disease or other problems, may also affect the outlook.
This can be a life-threatening condition. Complications may include:
- Coma and seizures
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Pneumonia
If you or someone else has symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis, seek emergency medical help.
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink will help prevent this condition.
Published Date: June 12, 2023
Published By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Finnell JT. Alcohol-related disease. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 137.
O'Connor PG. Alcohol use disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 30.