IgA Nephropathy. Its Causes and Symptoms
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disorder characterised by the deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. This condition leads to inflammation and can progressively damage the kidneys, potentially resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite its widespread occurrence, the precise causes of IgA nephropathy are not entirely known, but both genetic & environmental factors are believed to play crucial roles.
Symptoms of IgA Nephropathy
The symptoms of IgA nephropathy can vary widely among individuals, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe kidney dysfunction. The further progression of the disease is typically slow, often spanning several decades.
Common signs of IgA nephropathy include:
- Proteinuria (Protein in Urine): The kidneys’ filtering units, when damaged by IgA deposits, may start leaking proteins into the urine. Persistent proteinuria is a significant indicator of kidney damage.
- Edema (Swelling): As kidney function declines, the body may retain fluids, leading to swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes. It develops as a result of the kidneys’ reduced ability to eliminate extra fluid and salt.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): An imbalance in the blood pressure control system might arise from renal damage. Many patients with IgA nephropathy develop hypertension, which can further exacerbate kidney damage and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
- Kidney Function Decline: Over time, ongoing inflammation and scarring in the glomeruli can reduce the renals’ ability to filter waste & excess fluids from the blood. This can lead to symptoms of chronic kidney disease, such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
- Flank Pain: Some patients may experience pain in the flanks or lower back, which can be a result of inflammation and swelling within the kidneys.
Causes of IgA Nephropathy
- Genetic Factors: A significant body of evidence suggests that genetics play a critical role in IgA nephropathy. The condition often runs in families, indicating a hereditary predisposition. Certain genetic mutations may influence the immune system, particularly the production and clearance of IgA, leading to its accumulation in the kidneys.
- Immune System Abnormalities: IgA nephropathy is primarily an immune-mediated disease. IgA is an antibody that plays a vital role in mucosal immunity. In patients with IgA nephropathy, there is an overproduction of IgA or abnormalities in the IgA molecules themselves, which are more prone to depositing in the glomeruli. This abnormal deposition triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation and damage to kidney tissues.
- Infections: Respiratory or gastrointestinal infections can precipitate IgA nephropathy in susceptible individuals. When this IgA is abnormally processed, it can deposit in the kidneys, initiating the disease process.
- Environmental Triggers: Various environmental factors, including diet, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals, might contribute to the development and progression of IgA nephropathy. However, these factors are less well-defined compared to genetic and immunological contributors.
Treatment Options
Advances in medical research have led to unprecedented heights in kidney disease treatment. As such, several methods exist for treating ailments such as kidney disease. The severity of the patient’s condition and the degree to which the body reacts to treatments determine the course of the treatment regimen. While each strategy offers benefits of its own, it can often be difficult to choose the most effective one.
People usually look for treatments that are as non-invasive as possible, work well, promote natural healing, and have no side effects. Common people are resorting to alternative therapies mostly because modern medicine is ineffective at curing diseases and provides severe side effects. Homeopathy, naturopathy, ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha, and other medical systems that are officially accepted in India are mainly composed of natural remedies and therapies.
Ayurveda vs homeopathy. Which is Better?
Side Effects
Because they use natural remedies, homeopathy and ayurveda are generally thought to be safe. Homeopathic medicines have no adverse side effects since they are very diluted. However, adverse effects, including allergic responses, are possible with ayurvedic drugs.
Emphasis of Treatment
The objective of ayurvedic kidney care is to keep the three doshas in the proper balance to prevent disease. Homeopathic treatment for IgA nephropathy, on the other hand, aims to treat kidney disease from its root by stimulating the body’s healing systems.
Drugs
Both approaches use natural substances to treat complications. The intensely bitter concoctions used in ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease are tough to swallow. On the other hand, because the homeopathic pills are sweet in nature, using homeopathic therapy for kidneys is actually rather easy for the patient.
Duration of the treatment
The ayurvedic approach typically takes a long time and may not be effective when treating conditions like kidney disease. On the other hand, homeopathic treatment for IgA nephropathy is very successful since it works by encouraging the body’s natural ability to cure itself, enabling it to combat illness effectively.
Why Bharat Homeopathy?
While creating specially formulated homeopathy medicines for each patient, Bharat Homeopathy adheres to all procedural safeguards. By carefully analysing the symptoms of their disease and any other related conditions, we aim to provide our patients with the most effective IgA kidney disease treatment available. Headed by Dr Mahima and Dr Kanchan, our highly skilled and dedicated medical team provides an IgA nephropathy homeopathy treatment plan that includes a meticulously designed nutrition regimen to meet each patient’s individual needs. Adhering to strict protocols for patient data protection has helped us build our credibility.
Final takeaway
IgA nephropathy is a complex kidney disease with multifactorial causes, predominantly involving genetic and immune system abnormalities. Its symptoms range from mild hematuria to severe kidney dysfunction. Early diagnosis, detection and appropriate iga nephropathy treatment management strategies are essential to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
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