Nephrotic Syndrome

by Rose Broyles

A relative of mine suffered from this condition about 5 years ago. It was something I’d never heard of before and something that caught my attention  as  kidney problems run in my family. 

What Is it? 

A kidney disorder caused when small blood vessels used to filter waste and excess water from your blood are damaged. These blood vessels normally keep blood protein from leaking out to the urine and out of your body.  If protein does leak out it can cause edema or swelling. Nephrotic Syndrome can increase the chance of blood clots and infections. It can also lead to kidney failure, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It can hit at any age.

Symptoms

What Causes It?

• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes: Type 1 & 2
• Hepatic dysfunction
• Biliary dysfunction
• Obstructive Jaundice
• Crush Syndrome
• Toxins
• Mercury bichloride
• Severe hypokalemia
• Glomerulonephritis
• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• SLE
• Autoimmune diseases
• Amyloid disease
• HIV
• Syphillis
• Certain Poisons
• Adverse reactions to certain medications

Who’s At Risk

Men acquire Nephrotic Syndrome more than women

When to Call the Doc

• If you see foam in your urine
• Swelling and Weight Gain

Treatment Options

The doctor may prescribe the following medications depending on the treatment plan

• blood thinners – prevent blood clots
• diuretics – for  water retention
• immunosuppresive medications – decrease inflammation
• statins – for cholesterol lowering effects
• antiobiotics – fight infections.

Other resources 

The Nephcure Foundation

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