How to Treat Nephrotic Syndrome

Multitudes of disorders and conditions can affect kidney function. One such sign of problems is nephrotic syndrome. This syndrome includes excessive protein in the urine, high cholesterol, swelling and low blood protein levels. Treatment of this condition depends on the underlying cause, which can be any of a variety of conditions and diseases.

Instructions

• 1

  Adjust your diet. Maintain normal levels of potassium, but limit your intake of sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. Some doctors recommend maintaining normal levels of protein, while others suggest limiting protein intake. Ask your doctor what your optimal diet should include.

• 2

  Discuss the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) to decrease the amount of protein in your urine. These can be effective in bringing down urine protein levels, but can also increase potassium levels. Only your doctor can determine if these are right for you.

• 3

  Consider the use of diuretics to treat excessive swelling. Again, this has drawbacks. Diuretics may increase the chance of blood clots and your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner alongside the diuretic to combat this side effect.

• 4

  Discontinue possible drug causes. Heroin is one drug that can cause nephritic syndrome and, for this along with a myriad of other reasons, you should stop the use of this drug if at all possible. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if a prescribed medicine may be a contributing factor to your nephritic syndrome.

• 5

  Treat or cure the causative disorder if possible. This can include anything from antibiotics, for an infection, to treatment for a causative cancer.

• 6

  Contemplate the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants as a last resort. Your doctor may decide to use these if they can't find a reversible cause for your nephritic syndrome, but they're problematic, especially if you use them as a long-term solution. Also, they can cause interference in growth and sexual development if they're used in children.