Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults

 

In adults, nephrotic syndrome often happens when the kidneys are damaged by diabetes or high blood pressure.  The best way to reduce your risk of getting nephrotic syndrome is to prevent diabetes or high blood pressure.  If you already have diabetes or high blood pressure, manage your condition to lower your risk for nephrotic syndrome.  A healthy diet, exercise and some medicines may help.

 

Get healthy living tips here

 

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

 

If you have nephrotic syndrome, you may notice swelling around your eyes, face, ankles or feet. Other symptoms may include weight gain, fatigue, foamy urine and loss of appetite.

 

How will I know if I have nephrotic syndrome?

 

Your doctor can do a couple of tests to find out if you have nephrotic syndrome.

First, your doctor will test a sample of your urine to check for protein.  If the test shows that you have protein in your urine, your doctor may want to test your urine again.

 

Your doctor may also want to test your blood.  Low protein and high cholesterol in your blood may also be a sign of nephrotic syndrome.

If a diagnosis is still unclear, your doctor may ask that you have a kidney biopsy.  This means that a tiny piece of your kidney will be removed and viewed under a microscope.  This test can usually be done with a needle and does not require surgery.  A kidney biopsy may also help your doctor find underlying problems.

 

Is there a cure for nephrotic syndrome?

 

There is no cure for nephrotic syndrome.  Instead, your doctor will focus on treating your symptoms and controlling how much protein you lose.

 

What are the treatments for nephrotic syndrome?

Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic (“water pill”) and suggest a low-sodium (low-salt) diet to treat swelling.  Your doctor might also suggest a healthy diet, exercise and some medicines to help limit any further damage to your kidneys.

Any underlying problems that your doctor finds from a blood test or biopsy should also be treated.

 

Here’s the natural treatment that works, though, even with elevated protein counts: A small clove of garlic, eaten with honey or applesauce, chased with a saltine if he has trouble swallowing the last bits of garlic, brings the protein count down in just a few hours. Seriously. Even at a 3+, it works.