Pediatric IgA Nephropathy Symptoms

Most of the symptoms of Pediatric IgA Nephropathy, or Berger's disease seen in children are similar to those seen in adults, but they are less common or appear in different stages of the disease process.

Hematuria


Gross hematuria can be seen when the patient's urine is smoky or cloudy. The urine is darker than normal because of the red blood cells in the urine.
A strong smell might accompany the dark urine. The hematuria is not constant and occurs only during an active episode of the disease.

Abdominal Pain

Children with Berger's disease often experience bouts of excruciating abdominal pain that can mimic appendicitis. The pain can be in the middle of the abdomen or localize to the right lower quadrant.

Proteinuria

Proteinuria is the presence of large amounts of protein in the urine. The proteinuria is caused by destruction of a part of the kidney.
The kidney usually filters out protein from the urine, but IgA Nephropathy damages the kidney and prevents it from performing this function. Proteinuria sometimes can be evident when a patient notices that his urine is more foamy than normal, due to the presence of protein in the urine.

Flank Pain

Pain in the back or side regions also has been linked to IgA nephropathy.
Pruritis
Pruritis, or itchiness, commonly is seen in patients with IgA nephropathy.
Symptoms of Chronic Renal Failure
Signs of chronic renal failure include edema (swelling in the hands, feet or other parts of the body), high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, cramps and insomnia.

Fatigue


Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms affecting patients with IgA nephropathy. The fatigue is described as overwhelming and sometimes is associated with a sore throat, headache or slight fever.