Symptom 8: Acidosis – Balancing Act Gone Wrong
Acidosis, or the build-up of acid in the body, is another symptom of cystinosis. This condition occurs when the kidneys fail to maintain the body’s pH balance, leading to a surplus of acid.
In cystinosis, acidosis is often a result of renal Fanconi syndrome, where the kidneys lose their ability to reabsorb and conserve bicarbonate, a substance that helps neutralize the body’s acid. This leads to an overproduction of acid, causing various health problems.
Symptoms of acidosis may include rapid breathing, fatigue, and confusion. It can also cause bone disease and hinder growth in children, as the body uses calcium from the bones to neutralize the excess acid, thereby weakening them.
To manage acidosis, cystinosis patients are often prescribed bicarbonate supplements to help restore the body’s pH balance.
Acidosis is a serious symptom of cystinosis that highlights the importance of the kidneys in maintaining the body’s pH balance. Its management is crucial for ensuring better overall health outcomes for cystinosis patients. (8)
