Nephrotic Syndrome
Prevention
Avoiding situations or controlling the other diseases that can contribute to kidney disease can sometimes prevent nephrotic syndrome. The earlier a person changes factors that damage the kidneys, the better. You can help prevent kidney damage by:
- Keeping your blood pressure at less than 125/75 mm Hg with medication, diet, and exercise. For more information, see the topic High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
- Keeping strict control over your blood glucose level if you have diabetes. For more information, see the topic Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.
- Maintaining healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol and triglycerides. For more information, see the topic High Cholesterol.
- Not smoking or using other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
If you were diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the past:
- Avoid dehydration. For more information, see the topic Dehydration.
- Promptly treat illnesses that cause dehydration, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
- Prevent dehydration during hot weather and when you exercise. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids (water or rehydration drinks) each day. Drink extra water before, during, and after exercise. Take a container of water or sports drink with you when you exercise, and try to drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes. Use a sports drink if you will be exercising for longer than 1 hour.
- Avoid caffeine drinks, such as coffee and colas. They increase urine output, which increases dehydration.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. They increase urine output, which increases dehydration.
- Do not take salt tablets. Most people get plenty of salt in their diets. Use a sports drink if you are worried about replacing minerals lost through sweating. Do not use a sports drink if you have heart failure unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.
- Stop working outdoors or exercising at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue.
- Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored clothing when you are working or exercising outdoors. Replace sweaty clothing with dry clothing as soon as you can.
- Avoid medications that may harm the kidney.
- Avoid X-ray tests that use contrast material.
- Prevent heart disease. Lifestyle changes—eating a low-fat diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise—can help reduce your overall risk of developing heart disease and stroke. For more information, see the topic Coronary Artery Disease.
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: June 13, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology | |
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