Signs and Symptoms of IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy can be a “silent” disease. You might not notice any health effects for years, or even decades. Sometimes the first sign appears on a routine test that detects blood or protein in your urine. When symptoms do appear, they often point to changes in how your kidneys filter your blood, and that your kidneys may be damaged.^1-3

Common signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of IgA nephropathy can include:^1-4

• Cola- or tea-colored urine – This is caused by blood leaking into the urine, caused by damaged filters inside the kidney. You may notice it after a cold, sore throat, or other infection.
• Foamy or bubbly urine – This happens when protein, from damaged filters in your kidney, leaks into your urine.
• Swelling (edema) – Extra fluid can build up in your legs, ankles, feet, abdomen, or face.
• Flank pain – You may feel pain on one or both sides of your back, below the ribs.
• High blood pressure – Kidney damage can raise your blood pressure.
• Weakness and tiredness – You may feel low on energy.

These symptoms can happen with many other conditions. On their own, they do not mean you have IgA nephropathy. Your doctor will need to run tests to find the cause.^1,2

Why do these symptoms happen?

In IgA nephropathy, clumps of IgA antibodies build up in the tiny filters of your kidneys, called glomeruli. This causes inflammation and damage. Damaged filters leak blood and protein into your urine, which is why you may see blood or foamy urine. As your kidneys struggle to remove extra fluid, that fluid can build up in your body and cause swelling.^1,3,4

When symptoms may appear

For many people, the first signs of IgA nephropathy show up around the time of a cold, sore throat, upset stomach, an episode of diarrhea, or other respiratory or viral infection. You may notice cola-colored urine during or soon after being sick. This happens because your body makes more IgA while fighting the infection, and some of it ends up in your kidneys.^2-4

For other people, there are no clear symptoms at all. The disease is found only when a urine test is done for another reason, such as a routine checkup.^1,3

Signs the disease may be advancing

If IgA nephropathy damages the kidneys over time, it can lead to kidney failure. Contact your doctor or seek care if you notice signs such as:^3,4

• Feeling much more tired than usual
• Peeing more or less than expected
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping or focusing
• Upset stomach or a metallic taste in your mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pains

How these symptoms are managed

There is no cure for IgA nephropathy, but treatment can ease symptoms and protect your kidneys. To lower the protein in your urine and control blood pressure, doctors often prescribe a medicine called an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as eating less salt. Managing your blood pressure is one of the most important ways to slow the disease.^1,3,4

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you notice blood or excessive bubbles in your urine, since these are signs you should not ignore. Also, reach out if you have sudden swelling in your legs, feet, or face. Your doctor can run simple urine and blood tests and help you find the cause. Catching changes early gives you the best chance to protect your kidneys.^1,2,4