What is the difference between metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis? Metabolic acidosis involves your digestive system and your urinary system. Your kidneys can’t properly filter acids from your bloodstream. Kidney disease, kidney failure, untreated diabetes, loss of bicarbonate and blood poisoning may cause a more acidic pH in your body. Respiratory acidosis involves your respiratory system. Your lungs can’t remove enough carbon dioxide from your bloodstream. Asthma, brain ... A medical condition called acidosis is defined by an overabundance of acid in bodily fluids. The acidity is typically measured by the pH level of a solution. In the context of acidosis, the pH of the blood is lower than normal, indicating an imbalance in the body's acid-base equilibrium. Acidosis is a condition where the body has too much acid or too little base. Learn about the types, causes, complications, and diagnosis of acidosis and how to maintain a healthy pH balance. Metabolic acidosis happens when a problem in your cells throws off the chemical balance in your blood, making it more acidic. Your treatment depends on what's causing it.