What Are The Ways To Prevent Nephrotic Syndrome & Does It Reoccur?

A nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that develops due to the improper functioning of the kidneys. It occurs more commonly in males than in females. It mostly affects children of age 2-6 years. its symptoms involve high levels of protein in the urine with reduction of protein in the blood, increase in fat and cholesterol levels in the blood, and swelling in the legs, feet, ankles or hands. It is caused by diseases like lupus, FSGS, diabetes, HIV infection, hepatitis and C or malaria. It is often triggered by intake of antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It can be prevented if the causative disease is treated early.

Nephrotic syndrome can be prevented only by treating the cause of the disease. The treatment process is followed in such a manner that the underlying disease cannot cause much damage to the kidney. If the damage to the kidney is prevented, then the nephrotic syndrome can also be prevented. Those diseases that render risk for nephrotic syndrome should be treated in time to avoid complications and prescribed medicines should be consumed in prescribed doses as your physician has guided you.⁽²⁾

The prognosis of the nephrotic syndrome depends on the age and treatment of the underlying disease. It is usually permanent in adults. In adolescence age, it usually does not relapse or reoccurs. However, in children, it can reoccur at least once. Diet regulation and lifestyle modification can improve this syndrome.⁽⁴⁾

Nephrotic syndrome is a bunch of symptoms that signal towards the damage of the kidneys. It is not a disease but it develops due to damaged blood vessels in the kidneys that lead to faulty filtration of protein. The damage in the kidneys is caused by different disorders. It can affect any person at any age.⁽¹⁾ It can affect children in the age between 2 to 6 years. It affects men more than women.⁽²⁾ Some children are born with Nephrotic syndrome that may require a kidney transplant to get rid of this syndrome forever.⁽¹⁾

Characteristics features of nephrotic syndrome include-

• Increased protein levels in the urine.
• High levels of cholesterol in the blood
• High levels of triglycerides in the blood
• Swelling in the face, legs, ankles, and feet.⁽²⁾

Kidney comprises a number of tiny blood vessels that are collectively called glomeruli. Nephrotic syndrome develops due to damage in the glomeruli that prevent the filtration of waste products from the blood. This damage further results in the leaking of protein into the urine.⁽¹⁾ There are two types of Nephrotic syndrome-

Primary Nephrotic Syndrome- if nephrotic syndrome is caused by some conditions like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, and renal vein thrombosis.⁽¹⁾

Secondary Nephrotic Syndrome- when some diseases that affect the whole body, cause nephrotic syndrome. This type of nephrotic syndrome is called secondary nephrotic syndrome. These diseases are diabetes, lupus, and amyloidosis.⁽¹⁾

Certain medicines like antibiotics and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal+ anti-inflammatory drugs) can also cause nephrotic syndrome.⁽¹⁾

The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome are following-

• Swelling in the face, around the eyes
• Swelling in the lower extremities
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Rashes in the skin
• Foamy urine
• Reduced appetite
• Increase in the weight
• Seizures⁽³⁾

Nephrotic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that indicate the malfunctioning of kidneys. It develops due to other conditions such as FSGS, lupus, diabetes, HIV infections and many more. These diseases may render damage to the kidneys. The best way to prevent this syndrome is to treat the underlying disease. It can only be achieved by taking all prescribed doses as guided by your physician. The relapse or reoccurrence of nephritis syndrome is more common in young children than adolescent and adult.

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Also Read:

• Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome: Causes, Systemic Effects, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Is Nephrotic Syndrome Fatal & Can A Child Die From It?
• Can You Outgrow Nephrotic Syndrome & How Do You Reduce Swelling In It?
• Home Remedies For Nephrotic Syndrome
• How To Diagnose Nephrotic Syndrome & What Is the Best Medicine For It?
• What Is The Prognosis For Nephrotic Syndrome?
• Is Nephrotic Syndrome A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed?