Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to IgA Nephropathy Treatment - Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

---

Dear Dong Hao / 19 years old / Male netizen,
Hello:
1.
You underwent a renal biopsy at a Western medicine hospital, and the diagnosis is IgA nephropathy, also known as IgA nephritis.
This is an autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys, leading to chronic inflammation, which can result in symptoms such as proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension.
Currently, you have a 24-hour urine protein level of 0.4 grams and also show hematuria, both of which are caused by this IgA nephropathy.
Over time, this condition can even damage kidney function; fortunately, your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 86, indicating that while kidney function is impaired, it is still acceptable (greater than 120).
Your blood pressure is slightly elevated, and you are currently taking antihypertensive medication.
According to Western medicine, since your urine protein level is not high, further monitoring is sufficient, indicating that your condition is mild and does not yet require medication.
The treatment for glomerulonephritis in Western medicine typically involves diuretics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy agents to address symptoms such as edema and inflammation.
However, due to the significant side effects of these medications and their inability to address the underlying causes of glomerular inflammation, the condition often progresses to uremia.
2.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not have a specific diagnosis for IgA nephropathy.
In TCM, the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis is characterized by a deficiency of the root and excess of the branch, with a mix of deficiency and excess.
Therefore, treatment must consider both aspects.
Clinically, a common presentation is the spleen and kidney Yang deficiency type, which may include symptoms such as pale complexion, fatigue, cold intolerance, poor appetite, dizziness, tinnitus, lower back pain, and slow edema with persistent proteinuria.
Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, nourishing the kidneys, and promoting diuresis, which has shown good therapeutic effects.
3.
If you choose to see a TCM practitioner, it is advisable to select a senior practitioner with in-depth research on kidney diseases.
I have researched TCM kidney diseases, and you may bring relevant examination results for reference.
4.
If you consult a TCM practitioner, do not discontinue your antihypertensive medication, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of proteinuria and stroke.
It is possible to combine TCM and Western medicine treatments, taking herbal medicine alongside antihypertensive medication while continuously monitoring blood pressure, urine protein levels, hematuria, and kidney function (eGFR) to assess effectiveness.
5.
It is important to find a qualified TCM practitioner and clinic, particularly one with extensive research in TCM kidney diseases, and ensure that the prescribed herbal medicine is compliant with GMP standards.
Your Western medicine attending physician often advises against taking herbal medicine, as some friends who are not TCM practitioners may recommend herbs that do not match your symptoms.
Some herbs, such as Aristolochia, can harm the kidneys, and the TCM association issued warnings against their use over a decade ago.
6.
For general health maintenance, it is advisable to engage in regular exercise, manage stress, drink plenty of water, and urinate frequently.
Pay attention to your diet, avoiding excessive meat and protein to reduce the burden on your kidneys, and continue monitoring blood pressure, urine protein levels, hematuria, and kidney function.
Finally, I wish you good health.
Dr.
Lin Qingzhong
Director of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fengyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare
Part-time Associate Professor, General Education Center, National Taichung University of Science and Technology

---

Reply Date: 2018/11/09