Living with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger’s Disease, can feel challenging. But you're not alone! Many people, just like you, are finding ways to manage this condition and lead fulfilling lives. IgAN is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly creates an abundance of a protein called immunoglobulin A. Over time, this protein can cause inflammation, gradually affecting the kidneys.
Learning how to live with IgAN, or support someone in your life who is, starts with understanding this condition. Let’s dig into everything you need to know to detect, diagnose, treat, and manage IgAN.
IgA nephropathy can also impact children. Their symptoms may be similar to adults but may also include:
Some people may not experience symptoms at all — everyone's journey with IgA nephropathy is unique. At PicnicHealth, we’re working to make sure every patient’s experience is heard by empowering them to take control of their medical records and participate in research on their terms. Documenting patients’ day-to-day experiences (beyond controlled clinical trials) will help expand our understanding of IgAN and move detection, research, and treatment forward. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider, who can help diagnose this condition.
It also limits:
This dietary approach can help lower blood pressure, which aids kidney function, promotes weight loss, and reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes. However, some foods that are technically allowed in the DASH diet may not be suitable for those with kidney conditions. Always check in with your care team before making drastic changes to your diet.
IgA nephropathy can cause an imbalance in minerals in the body, so it’s important to avoid foods with excess sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Sometimes, even healthy foods have too much of one kind of nutrient or mineral. Keeping track is key.
Some foods to avoid are:
Remember, dietary needs vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or primary care physician before making significant dietary changes.
While IgAN can't be reversed, it can be managed effectively with medical technology, treatments, and lifestyle changes. By adopting beneficial diets, avoiding certain foods, and working closely with healthcare providers, people living with IgAN can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Keeping track of your IgA Nephropathy care journey can be tough, and PicnicHealth is here to help. Here are a few tools that make this easier:
Medical record collection: We securely collect your medical records, including lab results, test reports, and treatment history, and store them in one location you can easily access or share with anyone you’d like to keep in the loop, like new providers or family members.
Personalized health dashboard: Our platform makes it easier to track your health data, monitor symptoms, and learn about IgA Nephropathy care.
Living with IgAN can be difficult, but keeping track of your medical records doesn’t have to be. PicnicHealth's resources take care of the hard stuff, like organizing all of your past medical records in one place, so you can focus on taking care of your kidney health. When you join the PicnicHealth community, you become part of a group of people helping to move IgAN treatment forward by participating in easy and accessible medical research – on your terms. Get started with PicnicHealth to experience easier medical records management and patient-powered research.
PicnicHealth is here to help you take control of your IgAN journey. By creating an account, you get access to a personalized timeline that organizes all of your medical records in one secure place, and opportunities to participate in IgAN research studies from the comfort of your own home. Get started.
Have questions about how it works or PicnicHealth? Let us know and we’ll get back to you by the next day. Email us at [email protected].
Join Free