Doctors in Hyderabad have raised concern over the rising incidence of IgA nephropathy, a silent but potentially serious kidney disease increasingly affecting youngsters. Medical experts are urging people, especially adolescents and young adults, to undergo regular urine tests and health checkups for early detection.

IgA nephropathy is among the most common causes of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. It occurs when Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that helps fight infections, accumulates in the kidneys and damages the glomeruli — the tiny filters that cleanse the blood. Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

A major concern, doctors say, is that the disease often affects individuals between their late teens and late 30s, usually during their most productive years. Many patients show no symptoms initially. The earliest signs — blood or protein in the urine — can be detected only through routine urine testing.

Dr. Seera Pani Gopaluni, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, stressed that early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes. “Regular health checkups, especially urine tests, are crucial to identify the disease early and prevent progression to kidney failure,” he said.

He noted that in India, preventive health checkups are often neglected, leading to late diagnosis when irreversible kidney damage may have already occurred. Factors contributing to kidney disease among youngsters include high salt intake, excessive protein consumption, dehydration, lack of exercise and poor blood pressure control.

Dr. Pani emphasised 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 take urine tests at least 10 days away from their menstrual cycle for accurate results.

With greater awareness, routine screening and timely treatment, doctors say IgA nephropathy can be effectively managed and need not be a diagnosis of despair.