IgA Nephropathy – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger disease, affects the kidneys when immunoglobulin A (IgA) proteins build up in kidney tissue. This buildup causes inflammation that damages kidney function over time, making it harder for them to filter blood properly.
This condition typically progresses slowly, but the disease path varies significantly between patients. Some people may only notice blood in their urine with few other symptoms.
Others experience more serious problems like reduced kidney function and protein leakage in urine. In severe cases, kidney failure can develop, requiring dialysis or transplantation.
Common Symptoms and Progression:
- Blood in urine (often visible during infections)
- Protein in urine
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in hands and feet
While there’s no cure for IgA nephropathy, several treatments can slow its progression. Medications help reduce inflammation and protein leakage. Some patients achieve remission, where the disease becomes inactive for periods of time.
Key Treatment Approaches:
- Blood pressure control
- Cholesterol management
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Dietary modifications
Regular monitoring helps healthcare providers track kidney function and adjust treatments as needed.
Signs and Symptoms
IgA nephropathy often develops silently, with no noticeable symptoms for many years. Some people only discover they have the condition during routine medical tests that find protein and red blood cells in their urine.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Dark urine that looks like cola or tea due to blood
- Visible blood in urine, often following respiratory infections
- Foamy urine caused by protein leakage
- Back pain below the ribs
- Swelling in hands and feet
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue and weakness
If the disease progresses to kidney failure, additional symptoms might develop:
| Kidney Failure Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin problems | Rashes and itching |
| Muscle issues | Cramping |
| Digestive troubles | Upset stomach, vomiting, reduced appetite |
| Taste changes | Metallic flavor in mouth |
| Mental changes | Confusion |
Without treatment, kidney failure can be life-threatening. However, treatments like dialysis or kidney transplants can extend life significantly.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
See your doctor if you notice blood in your urine. Many conditions can cause this symptom, but persistent or recurring bloody urine requires medical attention.
Also seek medical care promptly if you experience sudden swelling in your hands or feet.
Causes
IgA nephropathy happens when a protein called immunoglobulin A builds up in the kidneys’ filtering units. These tiny filters, called glomeruli, normally clean waste from blood. When IgA collects there, it causes inflammation and damages kidney function over time.
Scientists haven’t found the exact reason why IgA accumulates in the kidneys, but several factors may play a role:
- Genetic Factors: Some people may inherit a tendency to develop this condition. It appears more frequently in certain families and is more common among people with Asian or European ancestry.
- Liver Conditions: People with liver diseases face higher risk, including:
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
- Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
- Digestive issues: Celiac disease, where the body reacts negatively to gluten, shows links to IgA nephropathy.
- Infections: Certain infections may trigger or worsen the condition, particularly:
- HIV
- Some bacterial infections
The kidneys themselves are fist-sized organs located on either side of your spine. When healthy, they filter blood through millions of tiny vessels, removing waste that later becomes urine. In IgA nephropathy, this crucial filtering process becomes compromised.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the chance of developing IgA nephropathy:
Gender: Men are affected at least twice as often as women in North America and Western Europe.
Ethnic Background: White individuals and those of Asian descent have higher rates than Black individuals.
Age: Most cases develop between the mid-teens and mid-30s.
Genetics: The condition sometimes runs in families, suggesting a possible hereditary component.
While these factors are associated with higher risk, anyone can develop IgA nephropathy. The exact cause remains unknown despite these known risk patterns.
Complications
IgA nephropathy affects people differently. Some live with the condition for years without problems, while others may develop serious health issues.
High blood pressure often occurs as IgA deposits damage kidney tissues. This creates a harmful cycle where elevated blood pressure further harms the kidneys, worsening the condition.
People with IgA nephropathy frequently develop high cholesterol levels. This increases their risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
In some cases, IgA buildup can cause acute kidney failure. This happens when the kidneys suddenly lose their filtering ability, causing waste products to accumulate rapidly in the blood.
When kidney function deteriorates very quickly, doctors may describe it as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
Over time, this condition may lead to chronic kidney disease. As kidney function progressively declines, patients may eventually need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
Some patients develop nephrotic syndrome, which includes several related problems:
- High protein levels in urine
- Low blood protein levels
- Elevated cholesterol and lipids
- Swelling in the eyelids, feet, and abdomen
Prevention
IgA nephropathy cannot be prevented.
If your family has a history of this kidney condition, speak with your healthcare provider about kidney health strategies.
Taking steps to manage your blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels can help protect your kidneys.
These measures are especially important for those with increased risk factors.
