Symptoms

IgA nephropathy usually doesn't cause symptoms in the early stages, so the disease can go unnoticed for years or decades. It's sometimes suspected when routine tests reveal protein and red blood cells in your urine that can't be seen without a microscope (microscopic hematuria).

Signs and symptoms of IgA nephropathy include:

• Cola- or tea-colored urine (caused by red blood cells in the urine)
• Repeated episodes of cola- or tea-colored urine, and sometimes visible blood in your urine, usually during or after an upper respiratory or other infection and sometimes after strenuous exercise
• Foamy urine from protein leaking into your urine (proteinuria)
• Pain in the one or both sides of your back below your ribs
• Swelling (edema) in your hands and feet
• High blood pressure

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you see blood in your urine. Urinary bleeding can have a number of causes, but prolonged or repeated bleeding might indicate a serious medical problem. Also see your doctor if you develop sudden swelling in your hands and feet.