Signs and Symptoms of Berger's Disease

Berger's disease, also known as Immunoglobulin A nephropathy, is a kidney disorder that hinders the body's ability to properly make and dispel urine. The disease is brought about by an overabundance IgA antibodies in the kidneys, which disrupts the organs' ability to work with fluid in the body to extract water and get rid of waste. While the condition is currently classified as idiopathic (with no conclusive evidence as to its exact cause) and no known cure is currently available, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Berger's disease so that treatment can be administered to combat its effects.

In most cases, Berger's disease is not characterized by a sudden onset, but rather a slow progression over a number of years. For many, no signs or symptoms may present themselves in the early stages of the disease (or even at all for some individuals) but for others, there are a number of key warning signs to be aware of as indicators of the disease. The most prominent symptom for Berger's disease sufferers is blood in the urine. While trace amounts of blood may be present in the urine of Burger's victims for years, it is usually not noticed until liquid waste becomes brown or reddish. This symptom usually first presents itself during or after an upper respiratory infection (often indicated by or sore throat or coughing) in the patient. Bloody urine can be a sign of a number of other conditions, however, and medical attention should be sought immediately if this symptom is observed.

Another symptom of Berger's disease is protein in the urine. While this abnormality is often less noticeable than the presence of blood, the best way to know if urine is high in protein is if toilet water is consistently foamy after urinating. This comes as a consequence of protein not mixing with air or water in the toilet and forming bubbles on the surface. While occasional foamy urine is nothing to be concerned about, if this occurrence persists, it could be an indicator of kidney malfunction and Berger's disease.

Other symptoms of Berger's disease and IgA nephropathy are side pain, swelling in hands and feet, and high blood pressure. If any of these symptoms are observed, the advice of a medical professional should be consulted. By recognizing the warning signs of Berger's disease early, medication and treatment can be administered to slow the progression of the disease and prevent it from reaching stages that require serious surgery or organ transplants.

Sources:
Berger's disease. Discovery Health.
IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease). CNN Health.