Hyderabad doctors are warning about a surge in IgA nephropathy, a silent yet potentially serious kidney disease that is increasingly affecting young people. Medical experts stress the importance of regular urine tests and health checkups, especially for adolescents and adults in their 20s and 30s.
IgA nephropathy is one of the most common causes of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. The disease occurs when Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that helps fight infections, builds up in the kidneys and damages the glomeruli—the tiny filters responsible for cleansing the blood. Over time, this can progress to chronic kidney disease or, in severe cases, kidney failure.
A major concern is that the disease often affects people during their most productive years. Many show no symptoms at first, and early signs such as blood or protein in the urine can only be detected through routine urine testing.
Dr. Seera Pani Gopaluni, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis. “Regular health checkups, especially urine tests, are crucial to detect the disease early and prevent progression to kidney failure,” he said.
In India, preventive health screenings are often overlooked, leading to late diagnoses when kidney damage may already be irreversible. Factors contributing to kidney problems among young adults include high salt intake, excessive protein consumption, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle, and uncontrolled blood pressure.
Dr. Pani highlighted that urine tests are simple, affordable, and highly effective. “Most kidney diseases remain silent until advanced stages. Regular screening can make a huge difference,” he said, advising women to schedule urine tests at least 10 days away from their menstrual cycle for accurate results.
With increased awareness, routine screening, and timely treatment, doctors say IgA nephropathy can be managed successfully and should not be seen as a hopeless diagnosis.
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