Living with IgA glomerulonephritis
A kidney condition in which IgA, an immune protein, builds up in the kidneys; blood in the urine may be the first sign.
Understanding IgA glomerulonephritis
In early stages there are usually no symptoms. The first sign may be blood in the urine. Most of the time it occurs in a family with no other affected members, but some familial cases are reported.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Blood in the urine you can see
- Sudden kidney injury (acute kidney injury)
- IgA deposits in the kidney filters
- Foamy urine (less common)
- Facial puffiness (less common)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include kidney specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute and IgA Nephropathy Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Kidney specialists (nephrologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute, IgA Nephropathy Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
In most cases the cause is unknown. Some disorders are linked with it, such as cirrhosis of the liver, celiac disease, and HIV infection. Familial IgA nephropathy runs in families in an autosomal dominant pattern and is linked to chromosome 6 (6q22-23).
Also known as: berger's disease; berger's iga or igg nephropathy; focal glomerulonephritis; iga nephropathy; igan - iga nephropathy; immunoglobulin a nephropathy
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationIgA glomerulonephritis · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteIgA glomerulonephritis · United States
- IgA Nephropathy FoundationIgA glomerulonephritis · United States
- NephCure Kidney InternationalIgA glomerulonephritis · United States
- HealthTree FoundationIgA glomerulonephritis · United States
- National Kidney FoundationKidney diseases · United States
- Renal Support NetworkKidney diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with IgA glomerulonephritis.
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Kidney Week 2025: New Research in Preserving Kidney Function
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Understanding Fatigue in IgAN: Causes and Management
Read articleExplore research for IgA glomerulonephritis
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