March is Kidney Awareness Month and today, March 9th, is World Kidney Day.
Take a few minutes to think about all that your kidneys do for you! What are you doing for your kidneys?
37 million Americans are living with kidney disease, but most don’t know it. Don’t be led into believing kidney disease is only due to a bad diet, other poor lifestyle choices, or age. There are several diseases of the kidney that can cause the kidneys to fail. Knowing the signs and symptoms are key to getting the right treatment.
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in your kidneys. This results in local inflammation that, over time, can hamper your kidneys’ ability to filter waste from your blood.
IgA nephropathy usually progresses slowly over years, but the course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people leak blood in their urine without developing problems, some eventually achieve complete remission and others develop end-stage kidney failure.
No cure exists for IgA nephropathy, but certain medications can slow its course. Keeping your blood pressure under control and reducing your cholesterol levels also slow the disease.
Find out more about kidney health by visiting
mayoclinic.org To find out more about IgA nephropathy
Marie Friddle 