Nephrotic Syndrome: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

People with nephrotic syndrome need to see a doctor and have their kidney function checked regularly. Children usually need to see a doctor more often than adults do.

Take all of your medicines, even after you begin to feel better. Contact your doctor before stopping a medicine if you develop side effects.

If you are taking medicines for another health problem, you may need blood testing to see if you are getting the correct amount of medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines that you are taking.

You may help reduce symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and prevent other health problems by:

• Reducing the amount of salt you use, which can reduce the amount of water your body retains.
• Choosing foods low in fat, which can reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
• Following your doctor's advice for the amount of protein you need in your diet. It may be a good idea to avoid eating a high-protein diet. But eating a low-protein diet is not usually recommended, because you may not get enough nutrition.
• Weighing yourself each day to check for an increase in your weight, which may be a sign that you are retaining fluid. Call your doctor if you notice you are gaining weight or if you develop other problems, such as difficulty breathing.
• Practicing good skin care to prevent additional skin problems, such as skin infections.

You may need emotional support during treatment for nephrotic syndrome. If you or your child has nephrotic syndrome and you are having a hard time handling treatment or the severity of your child's condition, talking with a doctor or seeking counseling may help.

Last updated:	June 13, 2007
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC