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 and being discharged, the condition keeps recurring. Now, it's unclear how to make it better. Can it be cured completely?Doctor's answer:
Hello, Nephrotic syndrome can be divided into two major categories: primary and secondary. This disease is primarily characterized by a clinical syndrome involving large amounts of proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, and severe edema. The presence of protein is due to damaged kidney cells, an increase in or rupture of the filtration membrane of the glomeruli, 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. Recurrences are common with 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 instability.
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, the condition will achieve clinical remission, and future recurrences will be prevented, stopping the progression of the disease. 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-salt, 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!