IgA nephropathy  – also known as Berger’s disease – happens when a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys. This buildup causes swelling that damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. The exact cause of IgA nephropathy isn’t known, but it might be linked to genes, infections, or problems with the immune system, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. The National Kidney Foundation states research suggests infections, like those in the throat or sinuses, might cause the IgA to build up in the kidneys. 

IgA nephropathy is a common kidney disease. About 1 in 10 kidney biopsies in the United States show IgA nephropathy.  

Although anyone can develop the disease, it is usually more common in people who: 

• Have a family history of IgA nephropathy 

• Have certain health conditions, such as celiac disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HIV 

• Are between the age of 10 to 40 

• Are of East Asian or white European ancestry 

• Were assigned male at birth 

The National Kidney Foundation says the survival rate for IgA nephropathy depends on how serious the disease is and how it’s treated. IgA nephropathy can cause the kidneys to stop working over time. Around 1 in 5 people with IgA nephropathy develop kidney failure within 10-20 years of diagnosis. When that happens, a treatment called dialysis, or a kidney transplant, is required to stay alive. According to a study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, the life expectancy in countries where IgA nephropathy is commonly encountered varies from ages 70 to 85 years for patients who receive life-extending treatments such as dialysis or a kidney transplant.  

Doctors diagnose IgA nephropathy using several tests. It usually starts with a urine (pee) test to check for blood or protein, which can be signs of kidney problems. If the test shows something unusual, doctors might do a blood test to see how well the kidneys are working. The most accurate way to diagnose IgA nephropathy is with a kidney biopsy, where a small sample of kidney tissue is taken and looked at under a microscope to find IgA deposits. 

For people with IgA nephropathy, eating the right foods can help protect the kidneys, according to the IgA Nephropathy Foundation. It’s important to limit salty foods because they can raise blood pressure and harm the kidneys. Eating less protein, like red meat, is also a good idea because too much protein can strain the kidneys. Processed foods with lots of additives and preservatives should also be avoided. If the kidneys aren’t working well, it might be necessary to eat less potassium and phosphorus, found in foods like bananas and dairy products.

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

• Your primary care provider recommends it. 

• Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 

• Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 

• You need specialized testing or procedures. 

• You want a second opinion.  

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

You can find an IgA Nephropathy doctor in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

IgA Nephropathy doctor near New York, NY
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Los Angeles, CA
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Chicago, IL
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Houston, TX
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Phoenix, AZ
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Philadelphia, PA
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Atlanta, GA
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Boston, MA
IgA Nephropathy doctor near Dallas, TX
IgA Nephropathy doctor near San Jose, CA

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the IgA Nephropathy doctor search results page. 

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

• Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 

• Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 

• Family history of disease 

• List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 

• Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  

• List of questions and concerns 

• Your insurance card 

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

Here are some sample questions: 

• Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 

• What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 

• What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 

• Are there other specialists I need to see? 

• What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the IgA Nephropathy doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the IgA Nephropathy doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

Read more about our Content Policy.