Doctor's Notes on What Is IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease)?
Berger's disease (also known as IgA nephropathy) is renal disease that occurs when the protein IgA (immunoglobulin A) deposits or accumulates inside the renal filters (glomeruli) in the kidneys. It is considered an autoimmune kidney disease. It usually progresses slowly over years. Some patents may get complete disease remission while others develop end-stage kidney disease. There are many signs and symptoms that are non-specific that may slowly increase over time and may include the following:
- Feeling tired
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dry skin, darkened skin
- Nausea, vomiting
- Generalized itching
- Numbness
- Weight loss, appetite loss
- Muscle cramps
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating
- High blood pressure
- Albuminuria
- Hematuria
- Edema
- Little or no urination
Although the cause of Berger's disease is IgA accumulation in the kidneys, the underlying reason for its accumulation is unknown. Risk factors include the following:
- Sex: It affects twice as many men as women in Western Europe and North America.
- Ethnicity: It's more common in whites and Asians than blacks.
- Age: It often develops between the late teens to late thirties.
- Family history: It sometimes occurs in families.
What Are Treatments for Berger's Disease (IgA Nephropathy)?
- Hypertension medications
- Immunosuppressants
- Diuretics
- Statins
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Kidney dialysis or transplant
Your doctor can help decide what treatments would best treat your condition.
Kidney Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz

The only purpose of the kidneys is to filter blood.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Acute Kidney Failure
Kidney failure, or the ability of the kidneys to filter water and waste, is caused by prerenal, postrenal, or renal problems with the kidney(s). Symptoms of kidney failure include decreased urine production, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, problems concentrating, edema, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Treatment for kidney failure depends upon the cause. -
Can A Kidney Infection Go Away on Its Own?
A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the kidneys. Bacteria and viruses usually first infect the bladder and then move up into the kidneys. -
Causes of Kidney Stones: Are You at Risk?
Kidney stones are solid crystals that form in the kidneys from the minerals in urine. Dehydration, excess vitamins, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions may all contribute to the foprmation of kidney stones. More than 80% of those who suffer kidney stones are men. -
Chronic Kidney Disease
Twenty percent of people over the age of 20 years will develop chronic kidney disease in their lifetime. Chronic kidney disease causes are diseases of the kidney(s), diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, Glomerulonephritis, polycystic disease, medications, and other conditions. Symptoms include; fatigue, nausea and vomiting, edema, itching, easy bruising, anemia, headaches, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, chest pain, and more. Treatment for kidney disease generally involves dialysis, or kidney transplantation depending on the condition of the person and kidney(s). -
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Back Pain and Kidney Pain?
The characteristics of back pain and kidney pain may be different -- back pain can be more of a stabbing sensation or happens in the muscle layer. Kidney pain is more dull and constant and tends to remain unaffected by rest, while back pain lessens. -
How Do You Know If You Have a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect the bladder (cystitis) or the kidneys (pyelonephritis) in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and the urethra. -
How Do You Know if You Have Kidney Disease?
Kidney infections, kidney stones or other problems often appear with symptoms like low back pain, cloudy or bloody urine, fever, chills, nausea or vomiting. -
How Does Polycystic Kidney Disease Affect the Kidneys?
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys and kidney enlargement. Polycystic kidney disease is a progressive illness and it can affect other organs in the body, such as the liver, pancreas, and spleen. -
Kidney Transplant: End-Stage Renal Disease
End-stage renal disease is the name for kidney failure so advanced that it cannot be reversed. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are the only treatments for end-stage kidney disease. Substantial preoperative workup and postoperative management with immunosuppressive drugs are necessary for kidney transplantation. -
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by E. coli. Symptoms and signs of a UTI include urinary urgency, frequent urination, burning urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics. -
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms may include pain, burning with urination, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, and sometimes blood in the urine. UTI symptoms in men, women, and children may differ slightly. -
What Are the Five Stages of Kidney Failure?
There are five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which range from very mild damage in stage 1 to complete kidney failure in stage 5, and are based on how well the kidneys can filter waste and extra fluid out of the blood. -
What if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease During COVID-19?
If you have a chronic kidney disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should follow your treatment regimen and strict social distancing, as your immunity is compromised. Keep in close contact with your treatment team, and keep the right food and medicine handy. Don't miss dialysis. COVID-19 is a potentially deadly condition caused by infection from a novel (new) coronavirus, one that had not been identified in humans before late 2019.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.