IgA nephropathy, also called Berger disease, is a kidney condition in which deposits of immunoglobulin A (IgA) occur in the glomeruli, the tiny filtering structures inside the kidneys.
People searching for an IgA nephropathy cure often want to know whether the disease can be completely eliminated.
At present, there is no single treatment that guarantees a permanent cure for every person with IgA nephropathy.
However, the disease can often be managed, and some patients may experience remission or remain stable for long periods. Treatment aims to reduce protein loss in the urine, control blood pressure, reduce inflammation or immune-related kidney injury when appropriate, and protect kidney function.
The outlook varies considerably from one patient to another.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation and management for patients with IgA nephropathy and other kidney diseases.
What Happens in IgA Nephropathy?
The glomeruli filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
In IgA nephropathy, abnormal IgA-containing immune deposits can accumulate in the glomeruli and trigger inflammation.
This may damage the filtration barrier.
As a result, patients may develop:
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Blood in the urine
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Protein in the urine
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Swelling
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High blood pressure
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Reduced kidney function
The severity of the disease is not identical in all patients.
Some people have mild disease with preserved kidney function, while others experience progressive kidney damage over time.
Can IgA Nephropathy Go Away Completely?
The course of IgA nephropathy varies.
Some patients may have periods in which:
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Urine protein decreases substantially
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Blood in the urine becomes less noticeable
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Kidney function remains stable
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The disease enters clinical remission
However, remission does not necessarily mean that the underlying kidney disease can never return.
Other patients may continue to have proteinuria or progressive loss of kidney function.
For this reason, long-term monitoring is important even when symptoms improve.
What Determines Whether IgA Nephropathy Gets Better?
Several factors influence the course of IgA nephropathy.
Doctors may consider:
Amount of Protein in Urine
Persistent proteinuria is an important marker of kidney injury and is considered when assessing disease activity and risk.
Kidney Function
Serum creatinine and eGFR help monitor how well the kidneys are filtering.
Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure can increase stress on damaged kidney filters.
Kidney Biopsy Findings
When a biopsy is performed, microscopic findings can provide information about the pattern and severity of kidney injury.
Response to Treatment
A reduction in proteinuria and stable kidney function can be important indicators of treatment response.
Other Medical Factors
Age, other health conditions and the broader clinical picture can also influence management.
How Is IgA Nephropathy Treated?
Treatment is individualized according to kidney function, proteinuria, blood pressure, biopsy findings and the risk of progression.
Management may include several components rather than one medicine.
1. Kidney-Protective Blood Pressure Treatment
Blood-pressure management is an important part of IgA nephropathy care.
Medicines that affect the renin-angiotensin system, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, may be used in appropriate patients, particularly when proteinuria is present.
These medicines can reduce pressure within the glomeruli and may help decrease urinary protein loss.
The choice and dose depend on kidney function, potassium levels, blood pressure and other factors.
Patients should not start or change these medicines without medical supervision.
2. SGLT2 Inhibitors in Selected Patients
SGLT2 inhibitors were initially developed for diabetes treatment, but certain medicines in this class are also used in selected patients with chronic kidney disease, including some patients with IgA nephropathy.
They can help reduce the risk of kidney-function decline in appropriate patients.
Eligibility depends on factors such as:
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eGFR
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Proteinuria
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Diabetes status
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Blood pressure
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Other medical conditions
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Current medicines
A nephrologist can determine whether this type of treatment is appropriate.
3. Targeted Treatments for Higher-Risk Disease
Some patients with IgA nephropathy have a higher risk of progressive kidney-function decline despite supportive treatment.
In such situations, additional disease-directed therapy may be considered.
Depending on the patient's eligibility and local availability, treatment may include targeted therapies designed to reduce abnormal immune activity or inflammation.
The choice depends on the patient's clinical profile and should be made by a nephrologist.
4. Corticosteroids in Selected Patients
Steroids can suppress inflammation and immune activity.
However, corticosteroids are not automatically appropriate for everyone with IgA nephropathy.
Potential benefits need to be weighed against risks such as:
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Infection
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High blood sugar
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Weight gain
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Bone problems
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Blood-pressure changes
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Other steroid-related complications
The decision should therefore be individualized.
5. Lifestyle Measures
Medical treatment works alongside kidney-protective lifestyle habits.
A nephrologist may recommend:
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Reducing excessive salt intake
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Regular physical activity appropriate for the patient
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Avoiding smoking
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Limiting unnecessary use of kidney-harming medicines
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Following an individualized dietary plan
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Monitoring blood pressure regularly
Lifestyle measures do not replace prescribed treatment but can support long-term kidney health.
Can Diet Cure IgA Nephropathy?
There is no specific food or diet proven to cure IgA nephropathy.
However, nutrition can be an important part of kidney protection.
Depending on kidney function and laboratory results, dietary advice may involve adjustments to:
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Sodium
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Protein
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Potassium
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Phosphorus
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Overall calorie intake
A person with early kidney disease may have different nutritional requirements from someone with advanced CKD.
Extreme protein restriction or elimination diets should not be started without professional guidance.
Can Drinking More Water Cure IgA Nephropathy?
No.
Adequate hydration supports normal health, but drinking excessive amounts of water does not remove IgA deposits from the kidneys or cure the underlying disease.
Fluid requirements vary according to kidney function, heart health, urine output and other medical factors.
Some patients with advanced kidney disease may actually require fluid restriction.
Are Herbal Remedies a Cure for IgA Nephropathy?
There is no established herbal remedy that can reliably cure IgA nephropathy.
Some supplements can also interact with prescription medicines or contain substances that may be harmful to the kidneys.
Patients with IgA nephropathy should discuss supplements, herbal preparations and alternative treatments with their nephrologist before using them.
Unproven remedies should not replace evidence-based kidney care.
Is Kidney Biopsy Necessary for IgA Nephropathy?
A kidney biopsy can be important in diagnosing IgA nephropathy and assessing the pattern of kidney injury.
During a biopsy, a small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope and with specialized testing.
A biopsy may help doctors determine:
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Whether IgA deposits are present
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The pattern of kidney injury
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The degree of inflammation or scarring
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Other possible kidney diseases
Not every person with suspected IgA nephropathy automatically requires a biopsy. The decision depends on the clinical circumstances.
What Symptoms Can IgA Nephropathy Cause?
IgA nephropathy may sometimes be detected through routine testing before significant symptoms develop.
Possible findings include:
Blood in Urine
Urine may appear pink, red or cola-colored during episodes of visible hematuria.
Microscopic blood may only be detected during laboratory testing.
Protein in Urine
Proteinuria may cause foamy urine in some patients, although foamy urine has other possible causes.
Swelling
Fluid retention may cause swelling around the ankles, legs or other parts of the body when kidney function becomes significantly impaired.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure may rise as kidney disease progresses.
Reduced Kidney Function
Advanced disease can cause symptoms associated with chronic kidney disease, including fatigue, nausea, appetite changes or itching.
Some people remain relatively symptom-free despite measurable kidney abnormalities.
Does IgA Nephropathy Always Lead to Kidney Failure?
No.
IgA nephropathy has a highly variable course.
Some people maintain stable kidney function for many years, while others develop progressive chronic kidney disease.
Risk assessment generally considers factors such as:
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Persistent proteinuria
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Blood pressure
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eGFR
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Rate of kidney-function decline
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Biopsy findings
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Response to treatment
Regular follow-up helps doctors identify changes early.
Can IgA Nephropathy Cause Chronic Kidney Disease?
Yes.
Persistent inflammation and damage to the glomeruli can gradually reduce kidney filtration.
If kidney damage continues for a prolonged period, chronic kidney disease may develop or progress.
This is why controlling proteinuria and blood pressure and monitoring kidney function are important parts of long-term care.
Can IgA Nephropathy Be Treated Without Dialysis?
Many people with IgA nephropathy are managed without dialysis.
Treatment focuses on preserving kidney function and controlling complications.
Dialysis becomes relevant only if kidney failure becomes advanced enough that kidney replacement therapy is required.
An IgA nephropathy diagnosis by itself does not mean dialysis is necessary.
What Happens if IgA Nephropathy Reaches Advanced Kidney Failure?
If kidney function becomes severely reduced, the nephrologist discusses kidney replacement options when appropriate.
These may include:
Hemodialysis
Blood is filtered through a dialysis machine.
Peritoneal Dialysis
The lining of the abdomen is used as a membrane for waste and fluid removal.
Kidney Transplantation
A donor kidney may provide functioning filtration for appropriately selected patients.
Conservative Kidney Management
Some patients may choose comprehensive non-dialysis management depending on their overall health, circumstances and treatment preferences.
Can IgA Nephropathy Return After a Kidney Transplant?
IgA nephropathy can recur in a transplanted kidney in some patients.
Recurrence does not occur in every transplant recipient.
After transplantation, monitoring may include:
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Serum creatinine
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Urine protein
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Urinalysis
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Blood pressure
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Other transplant-specific investigations
If kidney function changes after transplantation, multiple possible causes need to be considered rather than assuming that IgA nephropathy has returned.
How Is IgA Nephropathy Monitored?
Regular monitoring allows the nephrologist to identify changes in kidney function or proteinuria.
Follow-up may include:
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Serum creatinine
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eGFR
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Urine protein measurement
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Urine albumin measurement
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Urinalysis
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Blood pressure
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Potassium
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Other blood tests when required
The frequency of monitoring depends on disease severity and treatment.
What Can Patients Do to Protect Their Kidneys?
If you have IgA nephropathy, kidney protection may include:
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Take prescribed medicines consistently.
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Monitor blood pressure.
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Attend scheduled kidney-function tests.
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Avoid unnecessary NSAID use unless approved by a clinician.
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Avoid unverified kidney supplements.
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Reduce excessive dietary salt.
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Maintain an appropriate body weight.
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Follow individualized nutritional advice.
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Control diabetes if present.
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Report changes in urine or swelling to your doctor.
Small changes in risk factors can be important over the long term.
When Should You See a Nephrologist?
Specialist evaluation is particularly important when there is:
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Persistent blood in urine
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Significant proteinuria
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Reduced eGFR
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Rising creatinine
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High blood pressure associated with kidney abnormalities
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Abnormal kidney biopsy findings
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Progressive kidney-function decline
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Swelling or other symptoms of kidney disease
A nephrologist can determine whether further testing, kidney biopsy or disease-specific treatment is appropriate.
IgA Nephropathy Care at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation and management for patients with IgA nephropathy and other kidney conditions.
Depending on the clinical situation, care may include:
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Reviewing urine and blood-test results
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Assessing proteinuria
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Monitoring creatinine and eGFR
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Blood-pressure management
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Reviewing kidney biopsy findings
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Evaluating risk of kidney-function progression
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Discussing appropriate kidney-protective treatment
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Monitoring response to therapy
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Managing complications of chronic kidney disease
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Providing advanced kidney care when required
Treatment is tailored to the patient's kidney function, disease characteristics, medical history and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About IgA Nephropathy Cure
Is IgA nephropathy completely curable?
There is no universal treatment that permanently eliminates IgA nephropathy in every patient. Some people may achieve remission or remain stable, while others require long-term treatment and monitoring.
Can IgA nephropathy go into remission?
Yes. Some patients experience substantial improvement in proteinuria and stable kidney function, sometimes described clinically as remission. Continued monitoring remains important.
Can IgA nephropathy be reversed naturally?
There is no proven natural remedy that reverses IgA nephropathy. Lifestyle measures can support kidney health but should complement, not replace, appropriate medical treatment.
What is the main treatment for IgA nephropathy?
Treatment depends on the individual's risk and kidney findings. Blood-pressure and proteinuria control are important, while selected patients may receive additional disease-directed therapy.
Can IgA nephropathy be treated without steroids?
Yes. Steroids are not necessary for every patient. Depending on risk and eligibility, management may involve kidney-protective medicines and other therapies.
Does IgA nephropathy always require a kidney biopsy?
No. The need for biopsy depends on the clinical situation and the information required to establish or clarify the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Does IgA nephropathy mean dialysis is necessary?
No. Many patients with IgA nephropathy do not require dialysis. Dialysis is considered when advanced kidney failure causes complications that require kidney replacement therapy.
Can IgA nephropathy return after a transplant?
It can recur in some transplanted kidneys, although recurrence does not occur in every patient. Transplant recipients require ongoing monitoring for several possible causes of graft dysfunction.
Conclusion
People searching for an IgA nephropathy cure should know that there is no single treatment that permanently cures every case of this kidney disease.
However, IgA nephropathy can often be managed with a combination of kidney-protective treatment, control of proteinuria and blood pressure, appropriate disease-directed therapy, lifestyle measures and regular monitoring.
Some patients experience remission or long periods of stable kidney function, while others may develop progressive kidney disease. Early recognition of persistent proteinuria, declining eGFR or other signs of kidney injury can help guide treatment.
The appropriate treatment depends on the individual's kidney function, urine findings, blood pressure, biopsy results, risk of progression and overall health.
For specialist evaluation and individualized IgA nephropathy care, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. IgA nephropathy has a variable course, and there is no single treatment that guarantees a permanent cure for every patient. Treatment decisions depend on kidney function, proteinuria, blood pressure, biopsy findings, risk of progression, other medical conditions and response to treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescription medicines, steroids, supplements or herbal remedies without professional medical guidance. Do not rely on unproven natural treatments in place of nephrology care. Seek medical attention for significant blood in the urine, severe swelling, markedly reduced urine output, breathlessness, persistent vomiting or rapidly worsening symptoms. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified nephrologist for an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan.
