How to reduce swelling in the feet caused by nephrotic syndrome?

Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
Updated on November 12, 2024
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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 Zhang Hui
Nephrology
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Characteristics of Nephrotic Syndrome

The characteristics of nephrotic syndrome are defined by significant proteinuria, where significant proteinuria refers to urinary protein exceeding 3.5 grams in 24 hours; hypoproteinemia, which refers to blood albumin levels below 30 grams per liter; edema, which may present in facial and lower limbs, and even severe patients may exhibit generalized edema around both lower limbs; and hyperlipidemia, characterized by increased cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These patients may exhibit reduced urine output, edema, and noticeably increased foam in the urine.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
55sec home-news-image

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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home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
45sec home-news-image

Why does nephrotic syndrome cause sleepiness?

Excessive sleepiness is not a common clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome; generally, patients with nephrotic syndrome rarely exhibit excessive sleepiness. If a patient does display sleepiness, it is necessary to investigate the causes, such as a reduction in blood volume and decreased blood pressure caused by nephrotic syndrome, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply. Furthermore, in cases of nephrotic syndrome, the patient’s immune capacity decreases, making them more susceptible to various infections, such as infections of the upper respiratory tract and lungs. When inflamed, patients are also likely to feel excessively sleepy. In some patients, there is a risk of cerebral infarction, which can also cause sleepiness.

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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 prone to recurrence?

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by more than 3.5 grams of proteinuria in 24 hours and a serum albumin concentration lower than 30 grams per liter. Treatment of this disease should be aimed at the cause, with most patients suffering from primary nephrotic syndrome related to immune dysfunction, therefore often requiring treatment with steroids. Indeed, some patients easily experience relapses; after a period of steroid treatment, proteinuria may decrease or even turn negative. However, upon cessation of the medication or during occurrences like a cold, some patients may suffer from relapses. Not all patients respond this way, as some are dependent on steroids.