Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming. But for people living with IgA nephropathy—a chronic kidney condition—it’s not uncommon. Known medically as hematuria, this symptom is often one of the first visible signs that something may be wrong with your kidneys.

IgA nephropathy, sometimes called Berger’s disease, occurs when an antibody known as immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation. That inflammation damages the glomeruli, the kidneys’ delicate filtering units. Normally, glomeruli prevent red blood cells from entering the urine. But when they’re impaired, red blood cells can leak through—resulting in hematuria.

Sometimes hematuria is visible (called gross hematuria); other times it’s microscopic and only detected through lab tests. Either way, it’s not something to ignore.

Why Hematuria Matters in Kidney Conditions

For people in the U.S. dealing with kidney-related health issues, hematuria can be a crucial warning sign. It might appear after triggers like respiratory infections, intense physical activity, or even periods of stress. In IgA nephropathy, hematuria is often a red flag that active kidney inflammation is occurring.

While many live for years with mild or stable disease, others experience gradual kidney decline. That’s why tracking symptoms like blood in the urine helps doctors assess disease activity and make timely decisions about tests or treatments.

Hematuria isn’t just about what’s happening today—it can signal risks for the future. In fact, many nephrologists across the U.S. rely on routine urinalysis as a central tool in monitoring IgA nephropathy, particularly in younger patients who may not have other symptoms like swelling or high blood pressure.

Living with IgA Nephropathy and Hematuria

Living with a chronickidney condition—especially one like IgA nephropathy that isn't widely discussed—can feel isolating. But you’re far from alone. Across the U.S., thousands of people, often in their teens through their 40s, are managing this condition with growing awareness and better tools.

For many, the presence of hematuria serves as a signal to pay closer attention to their health. It might lead to changes in diet, more careful blood pressure control, or conversations with a nephrologist about starting medication. In some cases, when hematuria occurs along with proteinuria (protein in the urine), it may signal more serious kidney involvement and prompt more aggressive care.

Some people have occasional episodes of hematuria that go away, while others experience persistent microscopic hematuria for years. Every case is different, which is why regular monitoring is essential. Your urine can offer important clues long before other symptoms—like fatigue or swelling—emerge.

What to Do If You Notice Hematuria

First, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Not all blood in the urine is linked to IgA nephropathy, but it should always be evaluated. A primary care provider can order initial tests, and if needed, refer you to a nephrologist. In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

The good news? Many people live full, active lives with IgA nephropathy. The key is early detection, ongoing monitoring, and informed decision-making. Thanks to recent research and clinical trials, the treatment landscape is improving, offering more targeted options than ever before.

While hematuria may feel unsettling, it can also be an opportunity—a clear message from your body that it’s time to take your kidney health seriously.