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Nephrotic Syndrome Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Nephrotic syndrome is a group of problems caused by damage to the kidneys. They are: ‚  
  • Too much protein in the urine
  • Low level of protein in the blood
  • High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood
  • Swelling

Normally, your kidneys have tiny filters in small groups of blood vessels. These filters let your body get rid of waste products. You are able to keep the protein and other cells your body needs. If your kidneys are damaged, these filters may not work well. They may start to let proteins leak into your urine. Then, not as much is in your blood and you become swollen. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take any drugs your doctor orders for you.
  • Exercise to lower fats and blood pressure.
  • Keep a healthy weight.
  • Control blood sugars if you are diabetic.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may be sent to a kidney specialist called a nephrologist. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower the immune system
  • Lower fats in the blood
  • Help with swelling
  • Thin blood
  • Give more vitamins

Will physical activity be limited?


You should not need to limit your activity with nephrotic syndrome. Regular exercise each day is an important part of being healthy. It may help you control your weight and lower your risk for diabetes. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Your doctor may make want you to make changes to your diet. You may need to eat less protein, salt, or fat. Talk to your doctor about the right foods for you to eat. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease and congestive heart failure
  • Serious problems with your kidneys like chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or needing a transplant
  • Infection
  • Blood clots

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


Often times, nothing can be done to prevent nephrotic syndrome. In patients with diabetes, certain drugs may help slow kidney problems. Keeping diabetes under control may also help. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine.
  • Cough
  • Less urine output
  • Very bad headache
  • Too much swelling
  • Sores on the skin
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, cough, headache, or swelling.

Where can I learn more?


National Health Service ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/nephrotic-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/nephrotic/ ‚  
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/childkidneydiseases/nephrotic_syndrom/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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