IgA nephropathy symptoms
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IgA nephropathy (IgAN), sometimes called Berger’s disease, is a kidney condition marked by accumulation of an abnormal type of immunoglobulin A (IgA) protein inside the filtration units (glomeruli) of the kidneys. Over time, these IgA deposits and the body’s immune response to them can lead to chronic (long-term) kidney disease or kidney (renal) failure.
IgAN symptoms are often subtle, especially early on in the disease. Knowing what to look out for can help patients determine when to consider talking with a doctor.
Can IgA nephropathy cause no symptoms?
Early IgAN may be completely silent. Often, the first signs of IgAN are abnormalities in urine or changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (a measure of kidney function) found during routine urine or blood tests.
Common symptoms
Early symptoms of IgAN may include changes in urine, blood pressure, or energy levels, or unusual swelling. However, it’s important to remember that many of these symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions, and only a medical professional can definitively diagnose IgAN. Often, individuals with IgAN may have no symptoms at all.
Blood in the urine: Visible and microscopic hematuria
A common first symptom of IgAN is blood in the urine (hematuria). Doctors divide hematuria into two types: visible hematuria, which means that there’s enough blood to visibly change the color of the urine, and microscopic hematuria, which means that urine looks normal but has red blood cells in it that are visible under a microscope. Microscopic hematuria is usually completely asymptomatic (no symptoms).
Blood in urine due to IgAN may make urine “cola-colored,” brown, or red. IgAN may cause episodic bloody urine, and the episodes commonly overlap with an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, or they occur after intense exercise. The episodes usually only last a few days, and people occasionally experience flank pain (pain near the kidneys) during these episodes.
Foamy urine and proteinuria
Proteinuria means having protein in the urine. Blood has thousands of different protein molecules, and as blood flows through the kidneys, healthy kidneys keep these proteins out of the urine. But when the kidneys’ filtration is damaged, protein can leak into the urine. The main visible proteinuria symptom is frothy or foamy urine. In IgAN, proteinuria usually occurs together with microscopic hematuria.
Swelling in the legs, feet, or around the eyes
As the kidneys get damaged, they lose the ability to filter blood properly, which can lead to a buildup of extra fluid and salt in the body, called edema (swelling). Swelling in the legs, feet, or around the eyes can be a sign of kidney issues, including (but not limited to) IgAN.
High blood pressure
Hypertension is very common and can be caused by many conditions, including kidney disease and cardiovascular problems. Kidney conditions like IgAN can increase blood pressure as the kidneys lose the ability to remove extra fluid from the blood. In adults, high blood pressure is often one of the first signs of IgAN.
Fatigue and reduced energy
Many people with IgAN experience fatigue (extreme tiredness) and reduced energy levels. IgAN fatigue may get worse as kidney function declines. Like other IgAN symptoms, unusual fatigue can be a sign of many different medical conditions. Individuals concerned about their energy levels should consider reaching out to a physician.
Symptoms that appear as kidney function declines
As IgAN progresses, the damage to the kidneys can build up and cause symptoms of declining kidney function, including:
- increasing fatigue or swelling
- changes in urination, such as needing to urinate more frequently
- skin problems, such as itchiness, rash, or dry skin
- pins and needles or tingling sensations in the hands or feet
- gastrointestinal symptoms or abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- poor sleep
- unintentional changes in weight
Symptoms in children and younger adults
The symptoms of IgAN are sometimes more noticeable in children and younger adults than in older adults (people older than 40). Visible hematuria is more common in children and young adults, especially during upper respiratory infections, while adults older than 40 often only have microscopic hematuria. Some children and teens with IgA say that they experience problems with acne, nail growth, and dizziness.
One recent study in China found that children with IgAN have more inflammation in their kidneys and may be more likely to respond to anti-inflammatory treatments. However, IgAN tends to affect people of different racial backgrounds differently, and researchers are still studying whether this is true in other groups.
When blood in urine needs urgent medical attention
Blood in the urine can be caused by many different conditions, some of which need urgent care. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- significant pain while urinating
- difficulty peeing, or inability to pee
- bloody urine after an injury
When to make a routine medical appointment
IgAN symptoms are often subtle, but routine medical care can help catch them early. Individuals should consider scheduling a medical appointment to discuss kidney health if they notice changes in their urine or urination patterns; if they have kidney pain, unusual tiredness, gastrointestinal problems, or unexplained skin problems; or if they have a family history of kidney disease.
IgA Nephropathy News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
