Causes. The most common causes of lactic acidosis vary, and most are medical conditions and diseases themselves. Asphyxiation, or blockage of the airway and problems with the heart effectively pumping blood, such as congestive heart failure or cardiac arrest can cause lactic acidosis to happen. When an individual has HIV or a septic infection, a common complication is the inhibited flow of oxygen causing lactic acidosis. Cancer and tumor cells are also known to produce lactic acid. Acetaminophen use and chronic alcohol consumption have byproducts that encourage the build up of lactic acid. Additionally, patients that have short bowel syndrome can develop a build up of lactic acid from the overgrowth of bacteria in their short bowel. Other rare causes of lactic acidosis are carbon monoxide poisoning, malaria infection, and cholera infection.
