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What is IgA Nephropathy?

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare kidney condition, one of a group of conditions called glomerulonephritis, where the body’s immune system damages the kidney.

IgA is short for Immunoglobulin A, one of the types of antibody our body produces to fight infection. It is designed to protect the gut against infection, and is generated by the gut, but also circulates in the blood. Nephropathy is a scientific term for kidney disease. In patients with IgA Nephropathy, the form of IgA molecules that circulate in the blood are abnormally sticky, and get trapped in the tiny filters in the kidney (called glomeruli) causing inflammation and damage.

What are the symptoms of IgA Nephropathy?

These are variable from case to case. In many cases there are no symptoms, but the damage to the glomeruli causes some blood to appear in the urine. This blood is often invisible, and only detected on routine medical check-ups. In other cases the blood may be visible, coming in attacks every so often. Sometimes an influenza type illness may spark off an attack of blood in the urine, which then clears after a few days.

Normally this condition is quite painless. However, in some patients who have acute attacks after the ’flu, there may be some pain over the kidneys and a feeling of sickness for a couple of days.

What are the signs and symptoms of IgA Nephropathy?

In many cases there are no symptoms, but the damage to the glomeruli can cause some blood to appear in the urine sometimes making the urine look red or dark brown. Often, however, the blood is invisible, and only detected on routine medical check-ups. People sometimes have flare-ups of IgAN, often triggered by a cough or cold, where they see urine turn red or “coca-cola coloured”. Normally this condition is quite painless. However, in some patients who have acute attacks after the ’flu, there may be some pain over the kidneys and a feeling of sickness for a couple of days.

Some people also may have

• protein in the urine (proteinuria) – this is likely to only be seen under a microscope but if there a lot of protein, the urine may look frothy
• swelling or puffiness in parts of the body, especially in the legs
• High blood pressure which can damage the structure of the kidney if not treated

What causes IgA Nephropathy?

The exact cause of the disease is still unknown. IgA is known to play a role. In this condition, increased production of an abnormal IgA means that IgA gets trapped in the kidney and causes scarring and inflammation within the kidney, which can only be seen clearly under the microscope.

How is IgA diagnosed?

IgAN is often diagnosed after a routine urine test shows signs of blood and/or protein. A kidney biopsy may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. What is seen under the microscope is that the “glomeruli”, which are the tiny structures which filter the blood to make urine, are damaged by deposits of IgA 

 What will happen if I have IgA Nephropathy?

The outcome is very variable, and you will need to ask your specialist how things are likely to be in your case. The possibilities are:-

1. It may continue unchanged for many years, requiring only regular check-ups with blood tests. This is probably the case in a majority of patients.
2. It may go away on its own in some cases.
3. In some cases kidney failure develops, leading to the question of dialysis and/or transplantation.

If treatment is needed, the initial aim is to protect kidney function by lowering blood pressure via lifestyle measures such as losing weight, stopping smoking and reducing salt in the diet.

What are the complications of IgA Nephropathy?

1. High blood pressure may develop. This damages the kidneys and puts a strain on the heart and the rest of the circulation. Therefore high blood pressure should be treated vigorously.
2. Kidney failure may sometimes occur. If so, it usually develops slowly, and your doctor will be able to give you an idea of how it is affecting you.
3. 3 There may be protein leakage from the kidneys. This may be slight and only detectable on urine tests. Occasionally, there are high levels of protein leakage leading to swollen ankles and high levels of cholesterol in the blood. This is called nephrotic syndrome and requires specialist assessment and treatment.
4. 4 There is a variant of IgA nephropathy called Henoch-Schönlein purpura. In this, the IgA antibodies affect not only the kidneys but also other parts of the body. A blotchy red rash may appear on the legs and buttocks. However, if you have had IgA nephropathy confined to the kidneys for some time, it would be very unusual for this to convert to the more serious Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Is there any treatment?

This is not an easy condition to treat, and the aim is to protect the kidneys from further damage. Usually doctors rely on treatment of the blood pressure, using medications and lifestyle changes such as losing weight and reducing salt in the diet. If the cholesterol  is very high, treatment to reduce the levels may help. If protein leaking in the urine, then medications (eg. ACE-inhibitors and SGLT2-inhibitors) can have protective benefit on the heart and kidney function over time, as shown by recent research. Some specialists also use long term treatment with Maxepa (fish oil) tablets.

Targeted-release budesonide and sparsentan are newly available treatments that can help to slow the decline of kidney function. Targeted release budesonide (Kinpeygo) reduces the amount of the IgA protein that builds up in the kidneys and spasentan reduces inflammation and protein leak from the kidneys. There is also lots of research happening to test other drugs to see if we can improve the treatment of IgA Nephropathy and your doctor may ask you if you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial which may allow you to access some of the newer IgA Nephropathy treatments.

For Henoch-Schonlein purpura, doctors often use steroids (prednisolone), sometimes together with another drug, either cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate.

Can I lead a normal life with IgA Nephropathy?

In most cases this condition does not affect normal life. There is no special diet that will make the disease go away or get worse. You can continue with physical exercise and sports quite safely. The condition does not generally run in families, so you need not worry about passing it on to your children. However, if you are planning a pregnancy you should discuss this with a doctor familiar with looking after pregnant women with kidney problems.

There will be some queries if you apply for mortgages or life insurance, so plan ahead and be prepared to have your doctors asked to supply a medical report.

Where can I get more information or support about IgA?

For more information on IgAN, including its diagnosis, symptoms and treatment, visit the Leicester IgAN Research Group The Leicester IgAN Research Group | University of Leicester.

There are currently a number of clinical trials taking place to research further treatment options for IgAN. Talk to your kidney team for more information.

Last reviewed May 2025
Next review May 2028

Reviewed by
Dr Lisa Willcocks Consultant in Vasculitis and Nephrology Addenbrookes Hospital
Clare Morlidge MFRPSII MRPharmS | Consultant Renal Pharmacist. President UK Kidney Association.

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Navigate your numbers 

Navigate Your Numbers in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a disease awareness campaign initiated and funded by CSL Vifor with input from the National Kidney Federation and people living with and treating IgA nephropathy.

Whether you've been diagnosed or you’re supporting someone living with IgA nephropathy, this page brings together practical tools designed to help you feel more informed and reassured when navigating the condition.

With IgA nephropathy, certain numbers need to be monitored over time to help build a clearer picture of how the condition may be progressing.

Watch our short Understanding Your Numbers video series, which explains these key numbers and why they are important to monitor and track if you are living with IgA nephropathy.

Please note, these videos are not downloadable.

These resources are here to support you in understanding IgA nephropathy and navigating your kidney health with confidence.

Remember, every person’s journey with IgA nephropathy is unique.

If you’re unsure about your numbers or what they mean, please speak to your healthcare professional.

UK-NP-2500170

Date of Preparation: October 2025