Preventive measures IgA nephropath

 IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is a disorder of the kidney. It may start with minor changes in the kidneys, but it can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Causes
IgA nephropathy is caused by a buildup of the IgA protein in the kidneys. IgA proteins help the body fight infections. There are more of these proteins when you have an infection like the cold or flu.

The protein buildup can damage the filters of the kidneys. These filters are needed to clean the blood as it passes through. If the filters are damaged, then the kidneys are not able to clean the blood. Minor damage to the filters will not cause any changes. Major damage will worsen your health. IgA nephropathy can also cause some blood and protein to leak into the urine.

Genetics may play a role in the buildup of IgA proteins in the kidney.

IgA nephropathy
Henoch schoenlein purpura
Symptoms
Early stages of IgA nephropathy rarely have symptoms.

The first sign of IgA nephropathy is often blood in the urine. It often occurs after an infection like a cold. Small amounts of blood in the urine may only be detected with a test. Larger amounts of blood in the urine can make the urine a pink or cola color.

Later stage symptoms may also include:Swelling of the hands and feet Repeated upper respiratory infections Fatigue Muscle pain Fever Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with: Urine tests Blood tests Biopsy Treatment  There is no cure for IgA nephropathy. The goal of treatment is to slow damage to the kidneys. Your doctor will also make a plan to manage related symptoms, such as high blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Medications
Depending on your symptoms and overall health, your doctor may suggest:

Medications to help control blood pressure and decrease protein loss in the urine
Cholesterol lowering medication
Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation in the body
Medications to suppress the immune system
Dietary Changes
Your doctor may recommend certain changes to your diet. The changes will depend on your overall health and your kidney function. Some changes may include:

Controlling protein in the diet by limiting or avoiding:
Most meats and dairy products
Gluten—protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats
Controlling salt in the diet
Dietary changes to manage blood cholesterol levels
Your doctor may also recommend certain supplements like fish oil. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.

Lifestyle Changes
Exercise can help with overall health. It can also help manage cholesterol and blood pressure.Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.

Kidney Support
Dialysis takes over the job of the kidneys if they are not able to work well. It cannot cure the kidney damage, but it will help you feel better and decrease symptoms like high blood pressure.

A kidney transplant may be needed when illness has progressed and the kidneys have failed.

Treating and Preventing IgA Nephropathy

The cause of IgA nephropathy is not clear, so there are no known steps to prevent it.

Tell your doctor if you have a family history of IgA nephropathy. You and your doctor can watch for signs of the disease and manage issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

There is no specific treatment for IgA nephropathy. The goal is to reduce symptoms caused by the kidney's inability to work properly, and to try to avoid the problems this can cause, such as chronic renal failure.

The health care team may suggest dietary changes to reduce the amount of salt and protein intake. A registered dietitian can help draw up a healthy eating plan that takes this into account. Fish oils may be added to the diet. Corticosteroids and medications to suppress the immune system may also be used.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) may have been a warning sign of IgA nephropathy. If this is the case, it will be treated, usually with antihypertensive medications (medications for high blood pressure). Hypertension is also a complication of most kidney disorders. If blood pressure isn't already high when a person is diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, doctors will watch closely for its development. Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) to help avoid getting high blood pressure might be recommended.
Last reviewed May 2014 by Adrienne Carmack, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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