IgA Nephropathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When your immune system mistakenly attacks your kidneys, it can trigger IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease caused by buildup of immunoglobulin A antibodies in the filtering units of the kidneys. Also known as Berger's disease, it’s one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease in young adults. This isn’t just a lab result—it’s a slow, silent process that can lead to kidney failure over years if ignored.

What happens inside your kidneys? Immunoglobulin A, a type of antibody that normally fights infections in the gut and respiratory tract gets stuck in the glomeruli, the tiny filters that clean your blood. This causes inflammation, which over time scars the tissue. The result? Proteinuria, when protein leaks into your urine because the filters are damaged, and sometimes blood in the urine after a cold or sore throat. Many people don’t feel sick until their kidney function drops significantly.

It’s not just about symptoms. Chronic kidney disease, a long-term decline in kidney function that can result from untreated IgA nephropathy is the real danger. Blood pressure control isn’t optional—it’s critical. Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs are often the first line of defense, not just to lower pressure but to protect the kidneys themselves. Some patients need steroids or newer immunosuppressants, but there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. Lifestyle changes matter too: cutting salt, managing weight, and avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen can slow progression.

You won’t find a cure in a pill, but you can control the damage. The key is catching it early. If you’ve had recurring blood in your urine after an infection, or if your doctor mentions high protein levels in your urine, don’t brush it off. This isn’t a condition that goes away on its own. The posts below cover real-world advice: how to interpret lab results, what drugs actually help, how to monitor kidney function at home, and what to ask your nephrologist. You’ll also find connections to other conditions—like how high blood pressure and diabetes can make IgA nephropathy worse, and why some medications used for other diseases can accidentally harm your kidneys. This isn’t theory. It’s what people living with this condition need to know to stay healthy.