Renal tubular acidosis, or ATR, is an alteration related to the renal tubular reabsorption process of bicarbonate or hydrogen excretion in the urine, resulting in an increase in the body’s pH called acidosis, which can lead to stunted growth in children, difficulty gaining weight., muscle weakness and decreased reflexes, for example.
It is important that THERAPY is identified and treated quickly by taking bicarbonate as recommended by your doctor to avoid complications, such as osteoporosis and loss of kidney function, for example.
- Renal tubular acidosis is usually asymptomatic.
- But as the disease progresses some symptoms may occur.
- Especially if there is no maturation of the excretor system.
- ART may be suspected in the child when it is not possible to perceive adequate growth or weight gain.
- And it is important to take the child to the pediatrician to make the diagnosis and begin treatment.
The main signs of renal tubular acidosis are
Children who have been diagnosed with ART may have a very normal quality of life as long as they perform treatment correctly to avoid complications.However, they may become more susceptible to infection due to increased fragility of the immune system.
In some cases, symptoms of renal tubular acidosis may disappear between the age of 7 and 10 due to kidney maturation, without treatment, only medical follow-up to assess whether the kidneys are actually functioning properly.
Tubular renal acidosis can occur due to genetic and hereditary changes, in which the person is born with changes in the process of transporting the renal tubules, being classified as primary, or due to adverse effects of the drug, immaturity of the kidneys at birth or as a result of other diseases, such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia or lupus , for example, where renal change occurs over time.
The diagnosis of ART is based on the symptoms presented by the person and blood and urine tests, the blood test evaluates the concentration of bicarbonate, chloride, sodium and potassium, while in urine, the concentration of bicarbonate and hydrogen is mainly observed.
In addition, an ultrasound of the kidneys may be indicated to check for kidney stones, or X-rays of the hands or feet, for example, so that the doctor can check for bone changes that may interfere with the development of children.
Treatment of renal tubular acidosis is done on the advice of the nephrologist or pediatrician, in the case of children, and consists of daily intake of bicarbonate in order to decrease acidosis in the body and urine, thus improving the functioning of the body.
While it is a simple treatment, it can be quite aggressive for the stomach, which can lead to gastritis, for example, causing discomfort in the person.
It is important that treatment is done following your doctor’s recommendations to prevent the development of complications related to excess acid in your body, such as bone deformities, the appearance of calcifications in your kidneys, and kidney failure.For example.