How long will it take for nephrotic syndrome to get better?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Most cases of nephrotic syndrome are primary nephrotic syndrome, which refers to the absence of specific causes and may be related to immune dysfunction. The disordered immune system attacks the glomerular capillaries causing damage to the filtration barrier, resulting in the patient excreting large amounts of urinary protein. For primary nephrotic syndrome, treatment generally involves the use of corticosteroids or a combination of hormones and immunosuppressants. About 50-60% of patients respond effectively to the medication, which typically takes about two months to take effect. Patients who respond quickly might see effects within one to two weeks, while those with less sensitivity to the medication may need three to four months. The general course of medication is about one year.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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How to reduce swelling in the feet caused by nephrotic syndrome?

Swelling of the feet is a common phenomenon in nephrotic syndrome. Once swelling occurs, patients feel uncomfortable symptoms and a sensation of heaviness in their feet, so corresponding de-swelling treatment is necessary. How to reduce swelling? Firstly, a low-salt diet is essential to control salt intake, with daily salt consumption around 2 to 3 grams. In addition to this, small doses of diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone can be used. If the diuretic effect is not satisfactory, other more potent diuretics like furosemide may be added. Of course, the fundamental treatment for foot swelling in nephrotic syndrome involves the use of steroids and immunosuppressants. This treatment works by suppressing the permeability of the glomerular basement membrane and reducing protein leakage, thereby ultimately eliminating the foot swelling.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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What should I do about the high fever caused by nephrotic syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome, due to long-term use of steroids, have particularly weak resistance and are prone to various infections. High fever is a common symptom in patients with nephrotic syndrome after an infection. Once a high fever due to infection occurs in nephrotic syndrome, it must be taken seriously because infections are often a significant trigger for the relapse or worsening of the condition. Once the condition worsens, patients often experience heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and declining kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to go to the hospital in a timely manner after the onset of high fever for medical treatment, and to conduct routine blood and urine tests, kidney function tests, and chest X-rays to determine the cause of the patient's high fever, whether it is a viral or bacterial infection. Besides, it is important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, rest in bed, reduce outdoor activities, and avoid fatigue. If a viral infection causes the fever, antiviral medications that clear heat and detoxify should be used. If a bacterial infection causes the fever, sensitive antibiotics should be used for symptomatic treatment. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is nephrotic syndrome nauseating?

Nephrotic syndrome generally does not cause symptoms of nausea. Nephrotic syndrome refers to the damage to the glomerular capillaries of the patient, with the patient's 24-hour urinary protein quantification exceeding 3.5 grams, which indicates a substantial presence of urinary protein. This disease can cause edema in various parts of the body, such as the lower limbs, eyelids, and facial area. However, it generally does not cause digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If a patient exhibits such symptoms, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate the onset of acute renal failure due to nephrotic syndrome, or the presence of acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with nephrotic syndrome generally may experience edema in the gastrointestinal tract, which could cause nausea, and it is important to be cautious of the possibility of other underlying causes.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Nephrology
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Kidney disease syndrome is classified as what disease?

Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical subtype of chronic kidney disease. It can be diagnosed when there is significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, accompanied by edema and hyperlipidemia. This represents a severe stage in the progression of kidney diseases, generally requiring treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants. Nephrotic syndrome may have complications such as thrombosis, infections, hyperlipidemia, and acute renal failure.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is nephrotic syndrome easy to treat in children?

The diagnostic criteria for nephrotic syndrome are a 24-hour urinary protein quantification exceeding 3.5g and plasma albumin levels below 30g/l. This is due to severe damage to the glomerular capillary network, which has many pathological types since there are various components to the glomerular capillaries, and damage to different components is referred to as different pathological types. Among children, the most common pathological types are minimal change disease and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. These two types are relatively easier to treat. Most children are sensitive to steroid medication. However, treatment becomes difficult with other pathological types, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which shows less sensitivity to steroids. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)