Nephrotic Syndrome commonly diagnosed in children is a kidney disorder when there's a large leak of protein in urine which leads to a lot of complications. If Nephrotic Syndrome is not treated well it might affect the quality of life and kidney damage in the long run.
It is crucial to understand the symptoms and treatment options available to manage it effectively.
In this blog let us learn about the symptoms and how to treat nephrotic syndrome and burst the blurb with some frequently asked questions about nephrotic syndrome.
What is Nephrotic Syndrome?
A damage to the blood vessels in the kidney which filters water and excess water from the blood causes Nephrotic syndrome. When glomeruli (filters) are damaged, there's space for too much protein to escape from the blood to the urine.
Nephrotic syndrome has 4 main symptoms
- Proteinuria: High protein level in urine
- Hypoalbuminemia: low albumin level in blood
- Oedema: swelling in ankles, feet, and around the eyes
- Hyperlipidaemia: high cholesterol level in the blood
These symptoms are quite alarming but you need not worry as nephrotic syndrome is treatable. Early diagnosis and management helps in preventing further complications
What to look for if you have Nephrotic Syndrome
Recognising the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome is the first step towards treatment. Some of the most common symptoms include:
1. Swelling (Oedema)
2. Foamy Urine
3. Weight Gain
4. Fatigue
5. Loss of Appetite
6. High Cholesterol Levels
Nephrotic Syndrome Causes
Nephrotic syndrome can have several causes, including:
Primary Causes: The causes involve direct kidney damage like minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy.
Secondary Causes: The secondary causes involve certain health conditions like diabetes, lupus, infections, or certain medications. In adults, Diabetic kidney disease is one of the leading secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome.
Nephrotic Syndrome Treatments
The treatment plan for Nephrotic Syndrome involves managing the symptoms, addressing the causes, and preventing further kidney damage. The treatment plan at NU hospitals is tailored to each patient’s condition.
Here are some common treatments:
1. Medications:
● Corticosteroids: These steroids help in reducing inflammation and prevent protein leakage from the kidneys usually used as the first line of treatment, especially in children with minimal change disease.
● Immunosuppressants: A few immunosuppressants are used to suppress the immune system and control kidney inflammation, this is used for individuals who do not respond to steroids.
● Diuretics: These help in increasing urine production, reduce swelling , and eliminating excess fluid from the body.
● ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: These medications help in lowering blood pressure and inturn reducing protein loss in the urine.
● Statins: statins may be prescribed to manage high cholesterol levels.
2. Dietary Changes:
● Low-Sodium Diet
● Low-Protein Diet
● Cholesterol-Low Foods
3. Lifestyle Changes:
● Regular Monitoring
● Weight Management
● Active Lifestyle
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions:
- If nephrotic syndrome is secondary to another disease, such as diabetes or lupus, treating that particular underlying condition is very important to manage kidney health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Nephrotic Syndrome be cured?
Nephrotic syndrome can be usually managed with proper treatment. In children, treating minimal change disease, a common cause, frequently goes into remission with steroid treatment. But for adults with secondary causes, managing the underlying condition is the right way.
2. Is nephrotic syndrome life-threatening?
The nephrotic syndrome itself is not life-threatening, it can lead to serious complications like blood clots, infections, or chronic kidney disease if untreated.
3. How long does treatment for nephrotic syndrome last?
Treatment duration changes depending on the underlying cause and the patient’s response to treatment. Some patients might need long-term treatment, while others may experience remission after a few months.
4. What happens if nephrotic syndrome goes untreated?
Without treatment, nephrotic syndrome can lead to permanent kidney damage, infections, and increased risk of blood clots, as well as cardiovascular issues due to high cholesterol.
Conclusions
Nephrotic syndrome is a serious condition, but with early diagnosis and proper effective treatment, many patients can manage their symptoms effectively and live healthy lives.
Whether you're experiencing swelling, foamy urine, or unexplained fatigue, it's essential to consult with an expert nephrologist as soon as possible.
At NU Hospitals, our team of expert nephrologists are ready to provide personalised care and treatment for nephrotic syndrome. Don’t delay, early treatment can make all the difference in preventing long-term complications.
Book an appointment with us today for a consultation and take the first step towards better kidney health.
