What are the causes and management methods for high lactic acid levels?
Nov 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, elevated lactate levels may be caused by factors such as excessive exercise, endocrine disorders, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or diabetes. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. Elevated lactate is primarily due to overexertion, especially excessive anaerobic exercise, which easily leads to increased lactate production and accumulation in the body. Soaking in a bath or massage may help promote lactate elimination.
Generally, elevated lactate levels may be caused by factors such as excessive exercise, endocrine disorders, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and diabetes. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
1. Excessive Exercise
This mainly occurs due to overexertion, especially excessive anaerobic exercise, which easily leads to increased lactate production and accumulation in the body. Soaking in a bath, massage, and other methods can help promote lactate elimination.
2. Endocrine Disorders
The endocrine system plays a vital role in coordinating and regulating various physiological functions of the body. Certain endocrine disorders—such as hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, or adrenal cortical insufficiency—can affect the body's energy metabolism and acid-base balance, thereby leading to elevated lactate levels. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as Zhenyuan Tablets or Jingxin Oral Liquid for treatment.
3. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections. The liver plays a key role in lactate metabolism by converting lactate into energy via lactate dehydrogenase, thus maintaining lactate balance. When liver function is impaired—such as when hepatocyte damage or liver dysfunction occurs due to hepatitis—the liver’s ability to clear lactate decreases, resulting in lactate accumulation and elevated lactate levels. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as Azathioprine Tablets or Bicyclol Tablets for treatment.
4. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis results from chronic liver inflammation, injury, and fibrosis, with common causes including long-term alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis infection. In patients with cirrhosis, severe fibrosis and structural changes in liver tissue lead to significantly impaired liver function. The liver's role in lactate metabolism is greatly reduced, limiting its ability to clear lactate, thus causing lactate buildup and elevated lactate levels. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as Furosemide Injection or Bumetanide Tablets for treatment.
5. Diabetes
Diabetic patients often take sulfonylurea drugs to control blood glucose, which can easily shift the body into a state of enhanced lactate metabolism, potentially leading to diabetic lactic acidosis and consequently increased lactate levels. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as Glipizide Tablets or Metformin and Glibenclamide Tablets for treatment.
It is recommended to engage in regular aerobic exercise. If elevated lactate levels occur, it is advisable to seek standardized medical treatment at a reputable hospital.
