Diseases & Conditions

IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease)

IgA nephropathy — also called Berger's disease — is a common kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called IgA lodges in your kidneys. This hampers your kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess water from your blood. Over time, IgA nephropathy can lead to blood and protein in your urine, high blood pressure, and swollen hands and feet.

IgA nephropathy usually progresses slowly over many years, and although some people eventually achieve complete remission, others develop end-stage kidney failure. No cure exists for IgA nephropathy, but certain medications can slow its course.

Keeping your blood pressure under control, limiting protein in your diet and reducing your cholesterol levels also may help keep IgA nephropathy in check.

IgA nephropathy usually doesn't cause symptoms in the early stages. The disease can go unnoticed for decades and is sometimes first suspected when routine tests reveal protein and microscopic red blood cells in your urine.

The first visible sign is often cola- or tea-colored urine — the result of urinary blood that you can see.

Signs and symptoms of IgA nephropathy include:

• Repeated episodes of cola-colored or tea-colored urine, usually during or following an upper respiratory infection
• Pain in your side(s)
• Foam in the toilet water from protein in your urine
• Swelling (edema) in your hands and feet
• High blood pressure
• Low-grade fever

When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have blood in your urine. Urinary bleeding often isn't serious and can result from strenuous exercise and some foods and medications. But prolonged bleeding may indicate a medical problem and should always be evaluated. Also see your doctor if your urine is foamy or you develop unaccustomed swelling in your hands and feet.

Controlling your blood pressure is one of the most important ways you can help slow kidney damage from IgA nephropathy. Your doctor may recommend changes in your diet — such as limiting your salt intake — to help manage your blood pressure. A low-salt diet can also help minimize fluid retention and swelling. Other dietary changes, such as reducing the amount of protein you eat and taking steps to decrease your cholesterol levels, also may help slow the progression of IgA nephropathy and protect your kidneys. In some cases, avoiding gluten — a protein found in most grains — may help. If your doctor doesn't discuss dietary changes with you, be sure to ask.