Does emphysema cause metabolic acidosis?
On One Hand: Emphysema Does Not Cause Metabolic AcidosisEmphysema is not one of the causes of metabolic acidosis, a condition which leads to too much acid in the blood through metabolizing (breaking down) something which has been ingested into an acid. Causes of metabolic acidosis include ingestion of wood alcohol, antifreeze or large doses of aspirin, as well as abnormal metabolism, according to Merck Manuals.On the Other: Emphysema Causes a Related ConditionEmphysema (and other forms of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can lead to respiratory acidosis, according to Medline Plus and Merck Manuals. Emphysema leads to respiratory acidosis because the lungs cannot correctly eliminate carbon dioxide.Bottom LineAlthough emphysema does not lead to metabolic acidosis, it can trigger respiratory acidosis.
