BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuDistal renal tubular acidosisRenal tubular acidosis - distal; Renal tubular acidosis type I; Type I RTA; RTA - distal; Classical RTADistal renal tubular acidosis is a disease that occurs when the kidneys do not properly remove acids from the blood into the urine. As a result, too much acid remains in the blood (called acidosis).AcidosisAcidosis is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids. It is the opposite of alkalosis (a condition in which there is too much ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes When the body performs its normal functions, it produces acid. If this acid is not removed or neutralized, the blood becomes too acidic. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the blood. It can also cause problems with normal function of some cells.ElectrolyteElectrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The kidneys help control the body's acid level by removing acid from the blood and excreting it into the urine.Distal renal tubular acidosis (type I RTA) is caused by a defect in the kidney tubes that causes acid to build up in the blood.Type I RTA is caused by a variety of conditions, including:Amyloidosis, a buildup of abnormal protein, called amyloid, in the tissues and organs AmyloidosisPrimary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fabry disease, an abnormal buildup in the body of a certain type of fatty substance High level of calcium in the blood High level of calcium in the bloodHypercalcemia means you have too much calcium in your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sickle cell disease, red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescent shape Sickle cell diseaseSickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson disease, an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues Wilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of certain medicines, such as amphotericin B, lithium, and analgesics Symptoms Symptoms of distal renal tubular acidosis include any of the following: Confusion or decreased alertness ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased alertnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Impaired growth in children Increased breathing rate Increased breathing rateHyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing. It is also called overbreathing, and it may leave you feeling breathless.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney stones Kidney stonesA kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nephrocalcinosis (too much calcium deposited in the kidneys) NephrocalcinosisNephrocalcinosis is a disorder in which there is too much calcium deposited in the kidneys. It is common in premature babies.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osteomalacia (softening of the bones) OsteomalaciaOsteomalacia is softening of the bones. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Your body n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle weakness Other symptoms may include:Bone pain Bone painBone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased urine output Decreased urine outputDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat Heart rateThe pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Irregular heartbeatPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle cramps Muscle crampsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain in the back, flank, or abdomen Skeletal abnormalities Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.Tests that may be ordered include:Arterial blood gas Arterial blood gasBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry Blood chemistryA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine pH and acid loading test Urine pHA urine pH test measures the level of acid in urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acid loading testThe acid loading test (pH) measures the ability of the kidneys to send acid to the urine when there is too much acid in the blood. This test involve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bicarbonate infusion test UrinalysisUrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Calcium deposits in the kidneys and kidney stones may be seen on:X-rays Ultrasound CT scan Treatment The goal is to restore normal acid level and electrolyte balance in the body. This will help correct bone disorders and reduce calcium buildup in the kidneys (nephrocalcinosis) and kidney stones.The underlying cause of distal renal tubular acidosis should be corrected if it can be identified.Medicines that may be prescribed include potassium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, and thiazide diuretics. These are alkaline medicines that help correct the acidic condition of the body. Sodium bicarbonate may correct the loss of potassium and calcium. Outlook (Prognosis) The disorder must be treated to reduce its effects and complications, which can be permanent or life threatening. Most people get better with treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of distal renal tubular acidosis.Get medical help right away if you develop emergency symptoms such as:Decreased consciousness Decreased consciousnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe decrease in alertness or orientationDecrease in alertnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article OrientationMental status testing is done to check a person's thinking ability and to determine if any problems are getting better or worse. It is also called n...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention There is no prevention for this disorder.Open ReferencesReferencesBushinsky DA. Kidney stones. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 32.Dixon BP. Renal tubular acidosis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 569.Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 104.AllVideoImagesTogKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationKidney - blood and urine flow - illustration This is the typical appearance of the blood vessels (vasculature) and urine flow pattern in the kidney. The blood vessels are shown in red and the urine flow pattern in yellow.Kidney - blood and urine flowillustrationKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationKidney - blood and urine flow - illustration This is the typical appearance of the blood vessels (vasculature) and urine flow pattern in the kidney. The blood vessels are shown in red and the urine flow pattern in yellow.Kidney - blood and urine flowillustrationA Closer Look Kidney stones - InDepth(In-Depth) Tests for Distal renal tubular acidosis CO2 blood testChloride test - bloodRelated Information Respiratory alkalosis(Condition)Metabolic acidosis(Condition)Calcium blood test(Medical Test)Osteomalacia(Condition)Rickets(Condition)Weakness(Symptoms)Kidney stones(Condition)Nephrocalcinosis(Condition)Low blood potassium(Condition)Kidney stones - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 12/31/2023 Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Distal renal tubular acidosisRenal tubular acidosis - distal; Renal tubular acidosis type I; Type I RTA; RTA - distal; Classical RTADistal renal tubular acidosis is a disease that occurs when the kidneys do not properly remove acids from the blood into the urine. As a result, too much acid remains in the blood (called acidosis).AcidosisAcidosis is a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids. It is the opposite of alkalosis (a condition in which there is too much ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes When the body performs its normal functions, it produces acid. If this acid is not removed or neutralized, the blood becomes too acidic. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the blood. It can also cause problems with normal function of some cells.ElectrolyteElectrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...Read Article Now Book Mark Article The kidneys help control the body's acid level by removing acid from the blood and excreting it into the urine.Distal renal tubular acidosis (type I RTA) is caused by a defect in the kidney tubes that causes acid to build up in the blood.Type I RTA is caused by a variety of conditions, including:Amyloidosis, a buildup of abnormal protein, called amyloid, in the tissues and organs AmyloidosisPrimary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fabry disease, an abnormal buildup in the body of a certain type of fatty substance High level of calcium in the blood High level of calcium in the bloodHypercalcemia means you have too much calcium in your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sickle cell disease, red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescent shape Sickle cell diseaseSickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed Sjögren syndromeSjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. The...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson disease, an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues Wilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of certain medicines, such as amphotericin B, lithium, and analgesics Symptoms Symptoms of distal renal tubular acidosis include any of the following: Confusion or decreased alertness ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased alertnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Impaired growth in children Increased breathing rate Increased breathing rateHyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing. It is also called overbreathing, and it may leave you feeling breathless.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney stones Kidney stonesA kidney stone is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones can be in the kidney or ureter at the same time.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nephrocalcinosis (too much calcium deposited in the kidneys) NephrocalcinosisNephrocalcinosis is a disorder in which there is too much calcium deposited in the kidneys. It is common in premature babies.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osteomalacia (softening of the bones) OsteomalaciaOsteomalacia is softening of the bones. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Your body n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle weakness Other symptoms may include:Bone pain Bone painBone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased urine output Decreased urine outputDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat Heart rateThe pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Irregular heartbeatPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle cramps Muscle crampsMuscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain in the back, flank, or abdomen Skeletal abnormalities Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.Tests that may be ordered include:Arterial blood gas Arterial blood gasBlood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry Blood chemistryA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urine pH and acid loading test Urine pHA urine pH test measures the level of acid in urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Acid loading testThe acid loading test (pH) measures the ability of the kidneys to send acid to the urine when there is too much acid in the blood. This test involve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bicarbonate infusion test UrinalysisUrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Calcium deposits in the kidneys and kidney stones may be seen on:X-rays Ultrasound CT scan Treatment The goal is to restore normal acid level and electrolyte balance in the body. This will help correct bone disorders and reduce calcium buildup in the kidneys (nephrocalcinosis) and kidney stones.The underlying cause of distal renal tubular acidosis should be corrected if it can be identified.Medicines that may be prescribed include potassium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, and thiazide diuretics. These are alkaline medicines that help correct the acidic condition of the body. Sodium bicarbonate may correct the loss of potassium and calcium. Outlook (Prognosis) The disorder must be treated to reduce its effects and complications, which can be permanent or life threatening. Most people get better with treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of distal renal tubular acidosis.Get medical help right away if you develop emergency symptoms such as:Decreased consciousness Decreased consciousnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Severe decrease in alertness or orientationDecrease in alertnessDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article OrientationMental status testing is done to check a person's thinking ability and to determine if any problems are getting better or worse. It is also called n...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention There is no prevention for this disorder.Open ReferencesReferencesBushinsky DA. Kidney stones. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 32.Dixon BP. Renal tubular acidosis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 569.Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 104.