Nephrotic Syndrome-Topic Overview
Nephrotic Syndrome Guide
Treatment aims to reverse, slow, or prevent further kidney damage. The treatment you need depends on your age and what health problem is causing nephrotic syndrome.
Some people may not need medicine if they are at low risk for problems or are getting better on their own. Others may need medicines that decrease the body's immune system response. These include:
Nephrotic syndrome can lead to other problems that may need treatment, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and high cholesterol or triglycerides. You might need medicines to treat these problems, such as:
Young children who get treatment usually get better and have no lasting problems. Often treatment is not as successful in older children and adults. If your symptoms are severe or they come back, you may need treatment for months to years, or even for the rest of your life.
If treatment doesn't stop the kidney damage, you may develop chronic kidney disease.
If you have nephrotic syndrome, it's important to:
There are also things you can do to reduce your symptoms and prevent other health problems.
Nephrotic Syndrome - Topic Overview
Nephrotic Syndrome Guide
- Topic Overview
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- Frequently Asked Questions
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How is it treated?
Treatment aims to reverse, slow, or prevent further kidney damage. The treatment you need depends on your age and what health problem is causing nephrotic syndrome.
Some people may not need medicine if they are at low risk for problems or are getting better on their own. Others may need medicines that decrease the body's immune system response. These include:
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
- Other immune-suppressing medicines, such as cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide.
Nephrotic syndrome can lead to other problems that may need treatment, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and high cholesterol or triglycerides. You might need medicines to treat these problems, such as:
- Blood pressure medicines to lower blood pressure and help protect the kidneys.
- Water pills (diuretics). These help reduce fluid buildup in the body and lower blood pressure.
- Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin, if you have blood clots.
- Statins to reduce high cholesterol.
Young children who get treatment usually get better and have no lasting problems. Often treatment is not as successful in older children and adults. If your symptoms are severe or they come back, you may need treatment for months to years, or even for the rest of your life.
If treatment doesn't stop the kidney damage, you may develop chronic kidney disease.
What can you do at home for nephrotic syndrome?
If you have nephrotic syndrome, it's important to:
- See your doctor regularly to have your kidney function checked. Children usually need to see a doctor more often than adults do.
- Take all your medicines as prescribed, even after you start to feel better. Talk to your doctor if you have side effects.
- Make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take. This means anything you take with or without a prescription.
- Get a flu shot each year. And get any other immunizations your doctor recommends.
There are also things you can do to reduce your symptoms and prevent other health problems.
- Cut down on salt. This can reduce the amount of water your body retains.
- Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This can help prevent and reduce high cholesterol.
- Weight gain may be a sign that you are retaining fluid. Call your doctor if you are gaining weight or have other problems, such as trouble breathing.
- Follow your doctor or dietitian's advice for the amount of protein you need in your diet.
- Be gentle with your skin. Nephrotic syndrome may cause your skin to be dry and fragile. It also increases your risk of skin infections.
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