IgA nephropathy is a kidney-related disease occurring because of the deposition of the IgA in the kidneys. IgA is an antibody (a protein) produced by the immune system to secure the body from foreign substances called bacteria and viruses. The people with IgA nephropathy needs treatment from a nephrologist specialized in the kidneys.
IgA nephropathy causes inflammation and scarring of the kidney's tissues and obstructs their ability to filter the blood.
How does IgA affect the kidney's function?
IgA nephropathy attacks the glomeruli in the first place. Glomeruli are the small sets of blood vessels in nephrons. The main works are to let the empty body waste while keeping the essential nutrients in the blood only. The accumulation of immunoglobulin inflames and injures the kidneys and allows them to leak blood and protein into the urine.
The damage grows over the years leading to chronic kidney disease and eventually end-stage renal disease. At that point, the kidneys become incapable of channelizing the waste and keeping a person healthy.
What are the causes of IgA nephropathy?
The weakening of the body's immune system is the main reason for developing IgA nephropathy. Individuals with IgA nephropathy have less amount of blood sugar called galactose in their blood level of IgA. Other antibodies present in the blood do not recognize this galactose deficiency in the IgA, and resultant they attach themselves to the IgA and form a group. Some of such stumps get stuck in the nephrons and the glomeruli and damages them.
In some rare cases, doctors have found the IgA nephropathy being endow in the family lines. The genetic conditions are also responsible for the development of the disease.
The other reason known for IgA is the infections in the body, such as respiratory or intestinal or the body's response to these infections.
Who is at the risk of IgA nephropathy?
Like every other kidney disease, the occurrence of IgA is also impacted by the rise in the blood sugar levels. Within a few years of the diagnosis of diabetes, you will notice the kidney function getting deteriorating.
High blood pressure is another leading factor responsible for the changes in kidney function.
Although the disorder can occur at any age, you are more likely to get it when you are in your late 30s. Also, the probability of occurrence of IgA is twice in men than in women.
A person has an increased risk of IgA if he has:
A family history of IgA nephropathy or conditions that can inflame the vessels of the kidneys
If he is in the late of 30s
What are the signs of IgA nephropathy?
IgA nephropathy remains silent for years in its early stages. But if some symptoms appear, the most common is hematuria amongst all. Hematuria can indicate damage to the filters of the kidneys. The blood in the urine may arise after the infection in the body if the infection is the reason for IgA nephropathy. Sometimes, a person would notice blood in the urine with a naked eye, while in some cases, the blood is only detectable through some tests.
The other symptoms include:
Albuminuria: IgA nephropathy reduces the glomeruli's inability to filter waste and keep the essentials in the blood. Resultant, the body loses a vital protein called albumin into the urine. The presence of albumin in the urine makes it foamy and bubbly. Albumin lets the body maintain the right amount of fluid and electrolyte, the inadequacy of which in the blood results in the low absorption of the extra fluid from the body. Too much fluid can result in swelling of the legs, feet, and face.
Some people having IgA nephropathy notices both hematuria and albuminuria.
After 15 years of unnoticed or untreated IgA nephropathy, most adults develop end-stage renal disease. The signs and symptoms of kidney disease at that time may include:
• High blood pressure
• Little or no urination
• Edema
• Feeling tired
• Drowsiness
• Generalized itching or numbness
• Dry skin
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleep problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Darkened skin
• Muscle cramps
What are the complications of IgA nephropathy?
The complications of IgA nephropathy include:
High blood pressure: High blood pressure is the sudden rise in the blood flow rat when the waste accumulates in the bloodstreams.
Acute kidney failure: AKD is the sudden loss of kidney function.
Chronic kidney failure: Chronic kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function over a while.
Nephrotic syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome is the spilling of a protein called albumin into the urine, along with high levels of blood cholesterol.
Cardiovascular diseases: IgA nephropathy results in the developing risk of heart diseases.
How can you diagnose IgA nephropathy?
With the help of signs and medical tests, you can figure out whether you have IgA nephropathy or not. A healthcare provider usually does some tests to check for inflammation in the kidney's tissues. These may include:
Blood test: A blood test involves estimating the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys. GFR tells how much blood a kidney can filter per minute. Having a GFR above 90 is considered normal, while GFR 15 indicates renal failure.
Urine test: Urine test includes a dipstick test and urine albumin to creatinine ratio. A dipstick test tells whether your urine has albumin in it, while urine albumin to creatinine ratio estimates the amount of albumin concerning creatinine in the urine sample.
A medical history of the patient: Examining the patient's family history lets the doctor diagnose kidney disease. The physical examination includes the measurement of blood pressure and checking for the swelling in the family lines.
To know whether you need IgA nephropathy Ayurvedic treatment or not, you should always trust a healthcare provider that has built years of patient's trust.
Contact Karma Ayurveda Health for more information!
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