Should I Be Concerned About Lactic Acidosis?

Posted on Fri, 7 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Mar 2014 Answered on

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : If ph balance with urine and saliva ph test strip says about 6.5 so one be concerned with lactic acidosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Following the right diagnosis of lactic acidosis.. Detailed Answer: Hi, The diagnosis of lactic acidosis is made depending on the clinical symptoms of the patient, previous health history, and measurement of lactic acid in the blood (more accurate). It is true that measuring the pH of the saliva can give a hand in an emergency situation where time is restricted and action is needed. If the pH is measured in a normal person, then, I suggest to run further examinations to rule out other problems: - gastric reflux - local oral problems, Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (12 minutes later)

Is 6.5 normal high or low? I'm female 37 years old 5' 4" 325 lbs. not active. take metforemin for pcos and Lexapro for anxiety. I have had more anxiety recently and tired. just finished antibiotics for ear infection. have non allergic sinusitis. is lactic acidosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer: 6.5 falls under lowest limit of saliva pH range... Detailed Answer: Hi, 6.5 is considered within the lowest limit of the normal pH of saliva (fluctuating 6.5 to 7.5 all day long), with the tendency to get acidic. The measurement should be taken 1 hour before meal or at least 2 hours after meal. It is nothing to be worried about and not a sign of lactic acidosis. You can run further tests (measure blood lactic acid) to give a final diagnosis. Antibiotics you took for ear infection could have caused yeast overgrowth, explaining why you are having such pH of saliva. Furthermore, as you are taking Metformin, should check for blood sugar levels to rule out hypoglycemia. Otherwise, nothing worrisome.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar