Patient's question:
A 3-year-old child was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome with unknown causes or etiology. At first, both eyes were swollen. After staying in the hospital for more than 20 days, they were discharged, but the condition keeps recurring. Now, they don't know how to make it better. Can it be treated permanently?Doctor's answer:
Hello, Nephrotic syndrome can be divided into two major categories: primary and secondary. This disease is primarily a clinical syndrome characterized by a group of symptoms, including massive proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, and severe edema. The presence of protein is due to damaged kidney cells, increased or broken pores in the glomerular filtration membrane, allowing protein to leak out. Edema occurs as a result of kidney damage leading to fluid and sodium retention.Medical Advice: The recurrence of the child's condition may be related to the treatment plan. For the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, Western medicine primarily uses hormone therapy. Hormones can only control symptoms temporarily, reducing protein and hematuria leakage, but they cannot repair damaged kidneys. Recurrence is common when exposed to colds, infections, or improper dosage reduction, and the side effects are significant. The side effects of hormones include: moon face, acne, hirsutism, hypertension, diabetes, central obesity, low immunity, increased susceptibility to colds and infections, poor wound healing; gastrointestinal irritation, such as gastric ulcers; and mental effects, such as insomnia, nightmares, or even mental disorders.
It is recommended that the child adopt a standardized integrated Western and Chinese medicine treatment plan. While Western medicine addresses symptoms, traditional Chinese medicine can repair damaged kidneys at the root. Once the kidneys are properly repaired, protein will naturally disappear, achieving clinical remission, preventing future recurrences, and halting disease progression. This will have no impact on the child's future growth and development or their ability to marry and have children.
Dietary and Lifestyle Tips:
- Follow a low-sodium, high-quality protein diet, such as consuming lean meat, egg whites, and milk in moderation.
- Take precautions to prevent colds and upper respiratory infections.
Wishing the child a speedy recovery!