Living With IgA Nephropathy

Living with IgA nephropathy means caring for your kidneys day to day. There is no cure, but the choices you make, along with your treatment, can help protect your kidneys and help you feel your best. Many people live long, full lives with IgA nephropathy.^1-3

Eating well with IgA nephropathy

What you eat can take the strain off your kidneys. Your care team may suggest:^1,3

• Less salt – Eating less salt helps manage your blood pressure and reduce swelling. Check labels, since packaged foods are often high in sodium.
• The right amount of protein – Too much protein can overwork your kidneys, but too little is not healthy either. A kidney dietitian can help you find the balance.
• Heart-healthy choices – If your cholesterol is high, your doctor may suggest cutting back on saturated fat.

Some doctors also suggest fish oil (omega-3) supplements, which may help. Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.³

Staying active and other healthy habits

Regular, moderate activity helps manage your blood pressure and weight and can lift your mood. A daily walk or another activity you enjoy is enough to benefit. A few other habits also protect your kidneys:^1-3

• Keep your blood pressure in a healthy range – This is one of the most important ways to protect your kidneys.
• Quit smoking – If you smoke, quitting helps protect your kidneys.
• Manage other conditions – Keep conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control.

Taking your medicines as prescribed

Your medicines work best when you take them exactly as your doctor directs. Try to take them at the same time each day. If you have side effects or questions, tell your care team rather than stopping on your own.²

Managing the cost of care

IgA nephropathy is a long-term condition, so the cost of care can add up over time. The financial burden can be especially high if the disease advances to kidney failure, since dialysis and kidney transplant both carry substantial costs. Because IgA nephropathy is often diagnosed in a person’s mid-30s, these costs may stretch across many years.⁴

You do not have to manage this alone. Talk with your care team about your insurance and coverage. You can also reach out to free support resources, such as the National Kidney Foundation’s patient help line (NKF Cares), for information and guidance.

Traveling with IgA nephropathy

With a little planning, many people with kidney disease can travel safely. Talk with your doctor before a big trip, then keep these tips in mind:⁵

• Have a pre-travel checkup – Ask your doctor about your plans, and request a short medical summary or letter describing your conditions and medicines. Make sure your vaccines are up to date.
• Pack medicines in your carry-on – Bring all your medicines, plus extra in case of delays, and store them safely (not in a hot or cold car).
• Carry your medical information – Keep your medication list, records, provider contacts, and insurance cards both on your phone and as a hard copy you keep with you.
• Plan kidney-friendly meals and fluids – Choose foods and drinks that fit your diet and any fluid limits, and pack favorite snacks for when good options are hard to find.
• Allow extra time and rest – Give yourself extra time so you are not rushed, and build in breaks to rest.

Caring for your emotional health

A long-term diagnosis can affect how you feel, not just your body. It is common to feel worried, sad, or overwhelmed at times, and those feelings are valid. Connecting with people who understand can help. Support groups and online communities are good places to share your feelings and learn from others.^2-4

Keeping up with your care

IgA nephropathy can change slowly, so ongoing care matters. See your doctor as scheduled for regular urine and blood tests to check how your kidneys are working. Contact your doctor if you notice new swelling, more tiredness than usual, or changes in how much you pee.^2-4

You are not alone

Living with IgA nephropathy is a journey, and you do not have to manage it by yourself. Lean on your care team, your loved ones, and the wider kidney community. Small, steady steps add up over time and help you feel more in control.⁴