Alcoholic Ketoacidosis Overview
Learn About Alcoholic Ketoacidosis
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the buildup of ketones in the blood due to alcohol use. Ketones are a type of acid that form when the body breaks down fat for energy.
The condition is an acute form of metabolic acidosis, a condition in which there is too much acid in body fluids.
Ketoacidosis - alcoholic; Alcohol use - alcoholic ketoacidosis
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by very heavy alcohol use. It most often occurs in a malnourished person who drinks large amounts of alcohol every day.
Symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Agitation, confusion
- Changed level of alertness, which may lead to coma
- Fatigue, slow movements
- Deep, labored, rapid breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and thirst
Treatment may involve fluids (salt and sugar solution) given through a vein. You may need to have frequent blood tests. You may get vitamin supplements to treat malnutrition caused by excessive alcohol use.
People with this condition are usually admitted to the hospital, often to the intensive care unit (ICU). Alcohol use is stopped to help recovery. Medicines may be given to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Jae Kim practices in Wondu, Republic of Korea. Kim is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis. Their top areas of expertise are Alcoholic Ketoacidosis, Idiopathic Edema, Rhabdomyolysis, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Kidney Transplant.
Byoung Han practices in Wondu, Republic of Korea. Han is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis. Their top areas of expertise are Alcoholic Ketoacidosis, Idiopathic Edema, Rhabdomyolysis, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Kidney Transplant.
Promedica Multi Specialty Physicians
Venugopala Bommana is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Perrysburg, Ohio. Dr. Bommana is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Alcoholic Ketoacidosis. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Stroke, Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Endoscopy, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Bommana is currently accepting new patients.
Prompt medical attention improves the overall outlook. How severe the alcohol use is, and the presence of liver disease or other problems, may also affect the outlook.
This can be a life-threatening condition. Complications may include:
- Coma and seizures
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Pneumonia
If you or someone else has symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis, seek emergency medical help.
Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink will help prevent this condition.
Published Date: May 19, 2025
Published By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Finnell JT. Alcohol-related disease. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 137.
O'Connor PG. Alcohol use disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 364.