Renal Tubular Acidosis Symptoms and Causes
Monday, March 01, 2010 Article by: D.K. Mangusan Jr., PTRP
One of the main functions of the kidneys is to maintain normal levels of acids and bases in the body (acid-base balance: pH). A person normally produces acids from chemical reactions that occur when the body is turning food into energy and repairing body tissues. A little acid in the blood is normal. However, too much of this can lead to acidosis, which can affect many bodily functions.
A base or alkaline such as bicarbonate can be reabsorbed by the kidneys to help neutralize this acid in the blood. Sometimes, however, something goes wrong and kidney structures are not able to reabsorb bicarbonate. Thus, acid is not neutralized in the blood causing acidosis.
Symptoms of RTA
Depending on the type, cause and structure of the kidneys are affected, symptoms of renal tubular acidosis may include:
FatigueSometimes, renal tubular acidosis can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, possibly, kidney failure if not treated promptly.
Bone disease such as rickets or osteomalacia
Impairment of growth
Kidney stones
Extreme weakness
Muscle pain or cramping
Irregular heartbeat
Causes of RTA
Causes of renal tubular acidosis may include:
Inherited diseases, such as cystinosis, hereditary fructose intolerance and Wilson’s diseaseSome diseases and conditions are associated with RTA including sickle cell anemia, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, a hereditary form of deafness, analgesic nephropathy, rejection of a transplanted kidney, renal medullary cystic disease, obstructive uropathy, and chronic urinary tract infections.
Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus
Certain drugs like acetazolamide or outdated tetracycline
In any case, the main goal of treatment is restoring balance of acids and bases in the blood. However, different treatment options may be needed to treat the different underlying causes of renal tubular acidosis.
Source: Renal Tubular Acidosis (October 2008). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH Publication No. 09–4696
[Top of Page]






