Overview

IgA nephropathy (nuh-FROP-uh-thee), also known as Berger disease, is a kidney disease. It happens when a germ-fighting protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys. This causes a type of swelling called inflammation that, over time, can make it harder for the kidneys to filter waste from the blood.

IgA nephropathy often becomes worse slowly over years. But the course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people leak blood into their urine without having other problems. Others might have complications such as losing kidney function and spilling protein into the urine. Still others develop kidney failure, which means the kidneys stop working well enough to filter the body’s waste on their own.

There’s no cure for IgA nephropathy, but medicines can slow how quickly it becomes worse. Some people need treatment to lower inflammation, reduce the spilling of protein into the urine and prevent the kidneys from failing. Such treatments may help the disease become not active, a state called remission. Keeping blood pressure under control and lowering cholesterol also slow the disease.

Symptoms

IgA nephropathy often doesn’t cause symptoms early on. You might not notice any health effects for 10 years or more. Sometimes, routine medical tests find signs of the disease, such as protein and red blood cells in the urine that are seen under a microscope.

When IgA nephropathy causes symptoms, they might include:

• Cola- or tea-colored urine caused by blood. You might notice these color changes after a cold, sore throat or respiratory infection.
• Blood that can be seen in the urine.
• Foamy urine from protein leaking into the urine. This is called proteinuria.
• Pain on one or both sides of the back below the ribs.
• Swelling in the hands and feet called edema.
• High blood pressure.
• Weakness and tiredness.

If the disease leads to kidney failure, symptoms may include:

• Rashes and itchy skin.
• Muscle cramps.
• Upset stomach and vomiting.
• Less appetite.
• Metallic taste in the mouth.
• Confusion.

Kidney failure is life-threatening without treatment. But dialysis or a kidney transplant can help people live for many more years.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you think you have symptoms of IgA nephropathy. It’s key to get a checkup if you notice blood in your urine. Various conditions can cause this symptom. But if it keeps happening or it doesn’t go away, it might be a sign of a serious health problem. Also see your doctor if you notice sudden swelling in your hands or feet.

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