Living With IgA Nephropathy

Since the disease affects your kidneys’ ability to filter blood, your blood pressure can go up. Medication that lowers blood pressure is commonly used to slow progression of IgA in people with proteinuria.

The disease acts differently in everyone. For some people – most commonly children – it can go away completely.

The doctor will look for protein in your pee. They’ll also look at blood levels of creatinine and estimates of how well the kidneys filter blood, also known as a GFR. This helps them understand how well your kidneys are working. They’ll keep track of changes over time.

You need some protein. But too much can overwork your kidneys. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can tell you a healthy daily amount for your body type and disease status.

About 25% of people with IgA nephropathy get ESRD within 20 years of diagnosis.

You can give your doctor a picture of your kidney health over time by tracking symptoms such as foamy or bloody pee, swelling, and pain. It’s important to note the ways in which your daily life is affected by these symptoms, too.

Exercise can acutely raise the level of creatinine in your blood, but it won’t hurt your kidneys. It’s a waste product that comes from the wear and tear of exercise on your muscles. Everyone has it. If you’re working out, be sure your doctor knows when they look at your lab results.

Replacing your damaged kidney with a healthy donor kidney will help you live longer and have a better quality of life, but it won’t make your IgA nephropathy go away.

Research shows omega-3 fatty acids may help slow kidney damage and ease inflammation.