Acidosis is a condition of abnormal acid state in the body. There are two forms due to either: (a) a production in the body of two abnormal acids -- beta-oxybutyric and acetoacetic acids -- (also known as ketosis), or (a) a diminution in the alkali reserve of the blood. The cause is usually due to faulty metabolism of beta-oxybutyric and acetoacetic acids. Its symptoms are general lassitude, vomiting, thirst, restlessness, and the presence of acetone in the urine.
Acidosis occurs in diabetes mellitus when is is either untreated or inadequately treated, starvation, persistent vomiting, and delayed anaesthetic vomiting. A milder form of it may occur in severe fevers, particularly in children. If the defect is caused by changes in bicarbonate levels it is called metabolic acidosis.