Nephrotic Syndrome

Avoiding situations or controlling the other diseases that can contribute to kidney disease can sometimes prevent nephrotic syndrome. The earlier a person changes the things 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 medicine, diet, and exercise. For more information, see the topic Reference High Blood Pressure.
• Keeping strict control over your blood glucose level if you have Reference diabetes Opens New Window. For more information, see the topic Reference Type 1 Diabetes or Reference Type 2 Diabetes.
• Maintaining healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as Reference cholesterol Opens New Window and Reference triglycerides Opens New Window. For more information, see the topic Reference High Cholesterol.
• Not smoking or using other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Reference Quitting Smoking.

If you were diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the past:

• Avoid Reference dehydration Opens New Window. For more information, see the topic Reference Dehydration.
  • Promptly treat illnesses that cause dehydration, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
  • Prevent dehydration during hot weather and when you exercise.
  • 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 Reference heart failure Opens New Window unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.
  • Stop working outdoors or exercising at the first sign of Reference dizziness Opens New Window, Reference lightheadedness Opens New Window, or Reference fatigue Opens New Window.
  • 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 Reference medicines that may harm the kidney.
• Avoid X-ray tests that use Reference contrast material Opens New Window.
• Prevent heart disease. Lifestyle changes—eating a low-fat diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise—can help reduce your overall risk of heart disease and stroke. For more information, see the topic Reference Coronary Artery Disease.

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