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IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease) is a common chronic kidney disease. It is characterized by the buildup of an abnormal antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the filtering units of the kidneys (the glomeruli).
read more about iga nephropathy ...The cause is related to abnormal IgA production, often following a viral infection (respiratory or gastrointestinal). The defective IgA gets trapped in the glomeruli, triggering localized inflammation. This inflammation damages the delicate filtering units. Over time, this continuous damage leads to scarring and a gradual, irreversible loss of kidney function.
Symptoms are often subtle and may include blood in the urine (hematuria), foamy urine (due to protein loss), and generalized swelling in the hands and feet. The subtle symptoms make early diagnosis challenging, and the disease is often found incidentally during routine blood work.
IgA Nephropathy does not directly impact vision. However, the resulting chronic kidney failure can lead to severe hypertension (high blood pressure). Uncontrolled high blood pressure severely damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing hypertensive retinopathy (bleeding and swelling) and vision loss.
Diagnosis involves a urine test to check for protein and blood, and blood tests to check kidney function. The definitive diagnosis requires a kidney biopsy to confirm the presence of IgA deposits within the glomeruli.
The long-term management strategies focus on slowing the kidney damage. This involves controlling blood pressure with specific medications, reducing protein in the diet, and using immunosuppressants in severe cases to control inflammation.
No, but a family history of kidney disease may increase susceptibility.
Blood in the urine is often microscopic, but the urine may appear red or cola-colored after an illness.
No, it is a chronic disease, but aggressive management can significantly slow the progression to kidney failure.
If you notice swelling in your eyelids or ankles accompanied by foamy urine, see a nephrologist. IgA Nephropathy can cause high blood pressure, leading to "Hypertensive Retinopathy." A doctor will check your retinal blood vessels to monitor kidney impact.
National Kidney Foundation. IgA Nephropathy (kidney.org). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Berger's Disease (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
AAO. Hypertensive Retinopathy (aao.org). 2024.
StatPearls. IgA Nephropathy (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.