Nephrotic Syndrome Causes

Nephrotic syndrome has many causes, some of which are unknown. Often, it is caused by other illnesses that damage the kidneys. Diabetes is one example. Controlling nephrotic syndrome is achieved by controlling the disease that caused it. However, in many cases the cause is not known, and treatment varies according to symptoms.

Once the underlying cause has been determined and treated, nephrotic syndrome may go away. In adults, Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by a kidney disease, such as membranous nephropathy, and these diseases may persist even with treatment. The kidneys can gradually lose their ability to filter wastes and excess water from the blood. With such kidney failure, eventually dialysis or a transplant may be necessary for the patient.

Reducing high cholesterol and high blood pressure can help. Medications and diet changes that reduce the amount of protein in the urine can also help. In order to prevent nephrotic syndrome, you and your health care provider must control the diseases that cause it. For example, if you are a diabetic, controlling your diet and blood sugar levels could prevent damage to the kidneys that is often associated with nephrotic syndrome.

If you already know you have a kidney disease or disorder that causes kidney diseases, then your doctor will probably monitor the protein levels in your urine on a regular basis. If you have symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, such as edema or high levels of protein in the urine, tests will be necessary to diagnose exactly what is causing them. A urinalysis will confirm protein levels in urine. X-rays of the kidneys or a kidney biopsy may then be necessary.