Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy, also known as Berger’s Disease, is one of the most common kidney diseases. Unlike some types of kidney disease, it is not a lifestyle-related condition but an autoimmune disease. This means the body’s immune system, which normally helps fight illness, attacks and harms the kidneys.

The management of IgA Nephropathy is still imperative and may warrant a different approach than other types of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Discover more about the IgA Nephropathy Guide created by IgA Nephropathy Foundation to help improve your self-management. 

Why Is This Guide Important?

Many IgA Nephropathy patients are initially shocked and frightened when diagnosed. With a new diagnosis, you may not know where to turn and worry about what this means for your health. Fortunately, proactive self-management can allow you to live a long, fulfilling life. 

“IgA Nephropathy is a chronic disease. You need to learn about it, but not be consumed by it. There are things you can do to slow down the disease, many of which are in your hands already by making different choices and changing your lifestyle,” says Dr. Dana Rizk, professor of medicine in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

By reading the guide, you are taking a step to be actively involved in your IgA Nephropathy management. Take notes and write down questions as they arise to discuss with your doctor. 

How Does the Guide Help with Management?

This resource equips you with basic information about IgA Nephropathy, insights on what to look for and expect at different stages, helpful questions to ask, and tips for coping. It also includes worksheets to track important information, including your lab results, how the condition affects different parts of your life and overall well-being, and medications. 

The guide is broken into several different categories, which include:

• What is IgA Nephropathy?
• Monitoring Your Kidney Health
• Tools for Managing IgA Nephropathy
• Minding Your Emotional Health
• Questions to Ask
• Ten Terms to Know
• Resources to Help

The IgA Nephropathy guide is a resource intended to spark discussions with you and your care team. It is not medical advice and should be used with your clinical care plan to map out a plan that’s right for you. 

*IgA Nephropathy Guide. (2021, December 2). IGA Nephropathy Foundation of America. https://igan.org/patientguide/