Kussmaul breathing is treated by addressing the underlying cause of the symptom. For people with diabetes, the cause is usually diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a medical emergency typically treated in a hospital. Intravenous fluids and insulin may be administered to help balance a patient’s acid-base (pH) levels. Patients may remain hospitalized for several days.  

Treatment methods for other causes of metabolic acidosis may include:

• Fluid administration. Increasing the amount of fluids in the body is useful in some patients with the type of metabolic acidosis known as alcoholic ketoacidosis. Fluid increase can also temporarily improve the blood acidity of patients who have experienced dehydration, malnutrition or severe diarrhea.
  
  
• Base or alkali replacement. Certain chemicals (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) may be used to counteract the high levels of acid in the blood. These may be administered intravenously or as oral tablets. However, this type of treatment should be used under the supervision of a physician because it may alter blood acid levels too much or too quickly.

Other possible treatment options include hemodialysis or the use of activated charcoal to remove toxins from the body.

The best way to prevent Kussmaul breathing is to prevent its cause, metabolic acidosis (a type of acid imbalance in the body).  Patients with diabetes should control their glucose (blood sugar) levels, which may help to prevent DKA. Well-monitored insulin dosages can help prevent DKA. In some cases, people with diabetes may need to monitor their ketone levels as well as glucose and insulin levels. This is especially important during illnesses, pregnancy or after a traumatic injury.

Other preventable causes of metabolic acidosis (and Kussmaul breathing) involve drug or alcohol abuse. Medical treatment is available to help those who are addicted to these substances. Physicians and other healthcare professionals associated with abuse treatment programs may help patients avoid substances that may cause metabolic acidosis.