A condition that produces an acidic imbalance as the result of the inability of the kidneys to excrete adequate amounts of the acid normally generated by chemical processes in the body. The normal pH balance of the body is slightly alkaline. In renal tubular acidosis, the pH balance is tipped toward acidic. Acidity causes problems such as calcium loss from the bones. The dissolved calcium accumulates in the bloodstream and is excreted by the kidneys, resulting in abnormal bone structure (called osteomalacia), impaired growth in children, skeletal deformities, and muscle weakness.
A group of non-anion gap metabolic acidoses marked by either loss of bicarbonate or failure to excrete hydrogen ions in the urine. Type I (distal RTA) is marked by low serum potassium, elevated serum chloride, a urinary pH greater than 5.5, nephrocalcinosis, and nephrolithiasis. Alkalis such as sodium bicarbonate or Shohl’s solution are effective treatments.
A state where the kidneys struggle to expel the usual quantities of naturally produced body acid. With renal tubular acidosis, the blood tends to be more acidic than usual, while the urine exhibits reduced acidity.
Potential triggers for renal tubular acidosis encompass kidney impairment arising from ailments, medications, or hereditary anomalies. Nevertheless, in numerous instances, the underlying cause of the condition remains unidentified.
The acidosis could lead to osteomalacia (weakening of the bones), the formation of kidney stones, kidney calcification (nephrocalcinosis), and hypokalemia (an unusually low level of potassium in the blood).