Anaerobic metabolism in humans or mammals produces energy in the form of ATP and in the process also, lactic acid. This results in an acidemia and the accumulation of lactate. In the context of human or mammalian metabolism the term anaerobic respiration should be avoided. Doctors, nurses and others who encounter acidemia and the accumulation of lactate with anaerobic metabolism as it occurs in humans would find the term anaerobic respiration confusing.
The term anaerobic respiration should be confined to yeast, bacteria and other organisms that do not have a lungs and therefor don’t breath. Fermentation is an anaerobic process which occurs in yeast could be considered anaerobic respiration. There are other forms of energy production that don’t utilize oxygen that occur in nature. With respect to these other forms of anaerobic of energy production the term anaerobic respiration is acceptable but not in any organism with lungs and a respiratory system that provides oxygen to the bloodstream.
Conditions where anaerobic metabolism occurs.
Strenuous exercise
Sepsis
Flash Pulmonary Edema
Hemorrhagic Shock
Severe Dehydration
The effect of anaerobic metabolism is that lactate levels rise and pH decreases.
This results in a compensatory respiratory alkalosis with an increase in the depth and rate of breathing. The illnesses that are associated with anaerobic metabolism are cardiovascular conditions. It is often confusing that a cardiovascular condition causes an increase in the depth and rate of respiration and the perception of dyspnea. It is notable that anaerobic metabolism does not generally result from respiratory illnesses such as acute asthma.
Cardiovascular insufficiency with decreased delivery of oxygen to highly metabolic tissues and organs is the primary cause of anaerobic metabolism in humans. Curiously arterial hypoxia is not the primary cause although may contribute to anaerobic metabolism is some cases.