Nephrotic syndrome is kidney disease with a combination of three complications namely the proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. When your kidney functions are not working right, then there are probable chances that you might suffer from this condition.
It is a group of symptoms that results from a problem with the kidney filters often referred to as glomeruli. This problem arises when there is too much protein in the urine. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading factor of nephrotic syndrome in kids and young people, as well as a primary reason for kidney failure in adults.
The common symptoms are swelling of the ankles and feet, loss of hunger, exhaustion and low energy levels.
How To Diagnose Nephrotic Syndrome?
There is a multitude of tests and procedures used to discover and diagnose the nephrotic syndrome. Your kidney requires 2 tests to determine how well they are working like ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) and GFR (glomerular filtration rate). The measure of the kidney is determined through blood and urine tests. These tests can show how well the kidney is performing the job.
Urine Tests- Albumin is a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged. A urine test apparently diagnosis any kind of abnormalities found in your urine especially the increased protein content. If your health care provider suspects that you might have this syndrome then you will be requested to collect urine samples over 24 hours
Blood Tests – A blood test shows the abnormal levels of protein albumin and blood proteins. When the albumin levels drop down, it eventually increases the level of cholesterol and blood triglycerides. This can overall affect your kidney function
Biopsy Of The Kidney- Biopsy was indicative in 95.2 percentage of kids, with a typical failure rate of 4.8 percentage. A kidney biopsy involves taking one or more tiny pieces (samples) of your kidney to check for the presence of infection with regard to nephrotic syndrome. However, this kidney biopsy involves some complications such as hematuria (presence of blood in urine). In the worst case scenario, the bleeding becomes uncontrollable and requires a blood transfusion.1. 2. 3.
What Is the Best Medicine For Nephrotic Syndrome?
Generally, the treatment of nephrotic syndrome depends upon its occurrence and underlying medical condition. Also, it varies between adult and pediatric patients. Based on the severity of the disease and complications, your doctor may suggest for medicine that helps to control and subside the intensity of the disease.
Blood Pressure Medicines- There are two types of blood pressure-lowering medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are successful in restricting the progression of kidney disease. Other medications such as renin inhibitors also prescribed for this condition however the priority goes for ARB and ACE’s.
Diuretics Treatments-Diuretics sometimes called water pills are very effective in treating high blood pressures and many kidney disorders. They are proven to be effective in reducing swelling (edema) that is caused due to nephrotic syndrome
Bringing Down The Cholesterol Levels- Statins are often recommended as part of this treatment but these drugs often result in kidney failure.
Immunosuppressant Drugs- Immunosuppressant drugs are a class of drugs that suppress or reduce the potential of body immunity. It lower (suppress) your immune system and keep your body from rejecting your new kidney when the inflammation is trying to damage or destroy it.
The condition often caused by retention of sodium in the body therefore, the general treatment measures involves limiting dietary sodium to less than 3 gm/ day and limiting fluid to less than 1,500 mL /day.1. 4.
Conclusion
In addition to these treatments, lifestyles and home remedies can cope up with nephrotic syndrome. You can take action to avoid damage to your glomeruli by managing high blood pressure, get properly vaccinated and follow the regular medications prescribed by your health care provider.
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