dRTA
A resource center for patients and their families

What is dRTA?
dRTA is a rare type of kidney disease that can have a have major impact on a person’s health throughout their life. National Kidney Foundation has created this website to raise awareness and understanding about dRTA for patients and their families.
dRTA Resources

dRTA is a rare but serious disease that can be inherited (primary dRTA) or be caused by another disorder or medication (secondary dRTA). When someone has dRTA, the kidneys have trouble removing circulating acids from the blood into the urine. dRTA affects people differently, but it can lead to many health problems, such as muscle aches and pains, fatigue, bone disease, kidney stones, and possibly hearing impairment and kidney failure.
You can learn more about dRTA with these resources:
- Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA): The Basics
- dRTA: What is it and how is it diagnosed? - This resource explains what is dRTA, its causes and symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed.
- dRTA: How is it treated?- This resource explains the current available treatments for dRTA. Research on new treatments are also addressed.
- dRTA: What can I do to manage this disease? - TThis resource covers dietary and lifestyle changes, and other ways to help maintain kidney health if you or a loved one has dRTA.
- dRTA: Working with your healthcare team - Includes questions for your healthcare professional and how to work with your healthcare team.
- dRTA: Coping – A resource on meeting the challenges of living with dRTA.
- dRTA: Tips for Parents – Includes ways for parents to cope with the day-to-day aspects of dRTA, and how they can speak with their children about this disease. Also includes suggestions for letters to school explaining dRTA.
- dRTA: A patient’s Story – Would you like to share your story so others can learn about your experience? If so, please click here and we’ll help you.
Additional Resources

Living with dRTA or other chronic kidney diseases is a challenge, and there is a lot to learn. You can learn more with these resources on kidney disease:
- Basics on Clinical Trials: Find out more about clinical trials, including what are what are they, and how to participate.
- Opportunities to participate in dRTA research studies
- Insurance Overview: A resource to help you learn more about insurance options.
- Nutrition and Kidney Disease: Diet and nutrition are an important part of living well with kidney disease. As your kidney disease progresses, your dietary needs might also change. This resource center includes information on nutrition and kidney disease. Also includes recipes.
- Transplantation: A resource center about the transplantation process – from considering a transplant to life beyond transplant surgery.
- Dialysis: Has a broad range of information on dialysis and options within dialysis.
- Advocacy: Learn more about how to become an advocate for people with kidney disease.
Need personal support?
Contact our helpline. Toll–free
1.855.653.2273
nkfcares@kidney.org
Support for this educational initiative is provided by
