Alcoholic ketoacidosis

• fatigue
• slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• headache
• breathing difficulty
• abnormal breathing pattern
  • irregular deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul's)

• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal pain
  • all over the abdomen

• muscle pain
• loss of consciousness
• confusion
• agitation
• fluctuating mood
• difficulty paying attention (attention deficit)
• hallucinations

Signs and Tests:
A chem-20 or other blood chemistry , and arterial blood gases , will probably be obtained. Other tests may also be recommended.

Treatment:
Treatment in the hospital, possibly in the intensive care unit, may be necessary to reverse the acidosis .

Prognosis:
Continued excessive drinking is associated with a shorter life expectancy.

Complications:
This can be a life-threatening disorder.

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Go to the emergency room if symptoms of this disorder occur.