Your personal
AI assistant for
IgA Nephropathy
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Our platform gives you a space to track your symptoms and lab values, prepare for nephrology visits, and learn from insights shared by others living with IgA nephropathy. Whether you’re monitoring blood pressure, adjusting to new medications, or looking for questions to ask your doctor, mama health helps you stay informed and in control of your care.
You’re not alone in this. mama health is built to walk with you through the ups and downs of IgA nephropathy, helping you understand your body, notice what affects your kidney health, and advocate for the care you deserve.
What is IgA nephropathy (IgAN)?
IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger's disease, is a chronic autoimmune kidney disease where IgA (immunoglobulin A) antibodies deposit in the glomeruli (the kidney’s filtering units), causing inflammation and progressive damage. The disease occurs when an abnormal form of an antibody called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the glomeruli. This buildup triggers inflammation that, over time, can damage the kidney's ability to filter waste, water, and electrolytes from the blood.
The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors include:
-Immune dysregulation: Overproduction of poorly glycosylated IgA1
-Autoimmunity: Formation of autoantibodies against aberrant IgA1
-Environmental triggers: Such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, dietary antigens or mucosal immune system abnormalities
-Genetic predisposition: About 5-10% of cases are familial, suggesting that certain genes increase susceptibility.
It affects approximately 2.5 people per 100,000 annually, though this figure can vary substantially by region. It is particularly prevalent in East Asian countries such as Japan and China, and also commonly diagnosed among Caucasian populations in Europe. By contrast, IgAN is relatively uncommon in African populations.
Onset most often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, with the majority of cases presenting between the ages of 15 and 35. Men are about twice as likely as women to develop IgA nephropathy, with a male‑to‑female ratio of roughly 2:1.
Symptoms often develop slowly and may go unnoticed in the early stages. They can flare up after infections, such as respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses, and early recognition helps with slowing disease progression and protecting kidney health.
The most common symptoms include:
- Microscopic hematuria (blood in the urine detected on routine urinalysis)
- Proteinuria (usually < 1 g/day)
- Gross hematuria (pink or “cola”‑colored urine within 24–48 h of an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection)
- Foamy urine
- Hypertension
- Edema (swelling of legs, ankles, or face)
- Fatigue
How can mama health help?
Developed and supervised by medical experts
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What patients are saying
There are so many testimonies and so many people like me.
I hope this platform grows so we can help so many people who feel alone with a disease.
In the end we are many and all together we can fight.❤️"
There are so many testimonies and so many people like me.
I hope this platform grows so we can help so many people who feel alone with a disease.
In the end we are many and all together we can fight.❤️"
Frequently asked questions
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