Kidney diseases are often called “silent killers” because they may not cause obvious symptoms until they are quite advanced. One such condition is IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger’s disease. It is one of the most common causes of kidney disease in young adults, including in India.
A Simple Case Story
Let’s take the story of Ravi (name changed), a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore.
Ravi was otherwise healthy, but he noticed blood in his urine on a few occasions, and foamy urination, especially when he had a cold or throat infection. He thought it was due to some minor problem and ignored it. A few months later, during a routine health check-up at his office, his urine test again showed blood and some protein.
He visited a kidney specialist, who advised further tests. His blood pressure was slightly high, and his kidney function was beginning to decline. A kidney biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: IgA Nephropathy.
What is IgA Nephropathy?
Our body has an immune system that protects us from infections. One important protein in this defense is called Immunoglobulin A (IgA). In IgA Nephropathy, these IgA proteins are produced in excess amounts and in abnormal structure and get deposited in the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage to the kidney filters over time.
Symptoms You Should Watch Out For
Many patients may not realize they have IgA Nephropathy until much later. Common signs include:
- Blood in urine (sometimes visible, sometimes only detected on a urine test)
- Protein in urine (can cause frothy urine)
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of feet or face (in advanced stages)
Why is it Important in India?
- In India, routine health check-ups are not always done, so the disease is often detected late.
- Many young people ignore blood in urine, thinking it’s a minor problem.
- High blood pressure and diabetes are very common, and when combined with IgA Nephropathy, kidney damage can be faster.
How is it Treated?
There is no permanent cure yet, but treatment can slow down the disease and protect kidneys for many years. Treatment includes:
- Blood pressure control – medicines like ACE inhibitors/ARBs protect the kidneys.
- Controlling protein in urine – key goal of treatment.
- Diet changes – reducing salt, maintaining healthy weight, and in some cases, low-protein diet.
- Specific medicines – like steroids or targeted-release budesonide and other immunosuppressive medications may be considered in certain patients.
- Regular follow-up – to monitor kidney function.
Can IgA Nephropathy Lead to Kidney Failure?
Yes, in some people, the disease slowly progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplant. But with early detection and proper management, many patients live long and healthy lives with well-functioning kidneys.
Key Take-Home Message
- Don’t ignore blood in urine or foam in the urine – even if it happens only once.
- Get regular urine and kidney function tests if you have high BP, diabetes, or family history of kidney disease.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.
Just like Ravi, who now takes medicines regularly and follows up with his doctor, you too can live a normal life if IgA Nephropathy is detected early.
Kidney health tip for India: Most kidney diseases are detected by a simple urine test and blood test. Make it a part of your annual health check-up – it’s affordable and lifesaving.