IgA Nephropathy: How It Affects Your Kidneys

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease, is a condition that affects the kidneys. It is the most common type of glomerulonephritis, which is a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the small filters in the kidneys called glomeruli. IgA nephropathy occurs when Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is a type of antibody produced by the immune system, accumulates in the glomeruli and causes inflammation and damage. This damage can lead to problems with kidney function, including the inability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Over time, IgA nephropathy can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and potentially lead to kidney failure. The severity of IgA nephropathy can vary, and some individuals may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, while others may develop more severe complications.