Introduction Every cell in the human body depends on a carefully regulated internal environment to function correctly. One of the most important aspects of this environment is acid–base balance, which determines how acidic or alkaline the body’s fluids are. Acidosis occurs when the body develops an excess of acid or loses too much bicarbonate, causing the blood to become more acidic than normal. It can also develop when the lungs cannot remove sufficient carbon dioxide, allowing it to accumulate in the bloodstream. Although the body has several mechanisms to maintain its pH within a narrow range, disruptions involving the kidneys, lungs, metabolism or circulation can overwhelm these regulatory systems. Understanding…