Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney problem that causes excessive protein excretion in the urine, causing symptoms such as foamy urine or swelling in the ankles and feet, for example.
Generally, nephrotic syndrome is caused by constant damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys and, therefore, can be caused by various problems, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis or HIV. In addition, it can also arise due to the overuse of some medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Nephrotic syndrome is curable in cases where it is caused by problems that can be treated, however, in other cases, although there is no cure, symptoms can be controlled with the use of drugs and an adapted diet. In the case of congenital nephrotic syndrome, dialysis or kidney transplantation is necessary to cure the problem.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms related to nephrotic syndrome are:
- Swelling in the ankles and feet; Swelling in the face, especially in the eyelids; General malaise; Pain and abdominal swelling; Loss of appetite; Presence of proteins in the urine; Foamed urine.
Nephrotic syndrome can happen due to kidney disease, but it can also be a consequence of other situations, such as diabetes, hypertension, systemic lupus erythematosus, heart disease, virus or bacterial infections, cancer or frequent or excessive use of some medications.
How is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is made by the nephrologist or general practitioner and, in the case of children, by the pediatrician, and is made based on the observation of the symptoms and the result of some diagnostic tests, such as urine tests, 24-hour urine tests., blood count and kidney biopsy, for example.
Treatment for nephrotic syndrome
Treatment for nephrotic syndrome should be guided by a nephrologist and usually includes the use of drugs to relieve the symptoms caused by the syndrome, which include:
- High blood pressure medications, like Captopril, that work by lowering blood pressure; Diuretics, such as Furosemide or Spironolactone, which increase the amount of water eliminated by the kidneys, reducing the swelling caused by the syndrome; Medicines to reduce the action of the immune system, such as corticosteroids, as they help to reduce inflammation in the kidneys, relieving symptoms.
In addition, in some cases, it may also be necessary to take medication to make the blood more fluid, such as Heparin or Warfarin, or medication to reduce cholesterol levels, such as Atorvastatin or Simvastatin, to reduce blood and urine fat levels. which increase due to the syndrome, preventing the appearance of complications such as embolism or renal failure, for example.
What to eat
The nephrotic syndrome diet helps to relieve the symptoms caused by the problem and to prevent further kidney damage. Thus, it is recommended to eat a balanced diet, but poor in foods with salt or fat, such as fried foods, sausages or processed foods, for example. If the swelling, called edema, is bulky, the doctor may recommend restricting fluid intake.
However, the diet should always be guided individually by a nutritionist according to the symptoms presented. See how to replace salt in your diet.
