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Sunday, December 28, 2008

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Healthy kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from blood. The body gets rid of these wastes and fluid through urine. In nephrotic syndrome, some protein gets removed along with the wastes. This is a problem, because the body needs protein.

Protein acts as a sponge in the blood. It holds fluids that the body needs inside the arteries and veins. If there is not enough protein, this fluid leaks out into other body tissues. The result is edema, or swelling. This usually happens around the eyes, face, feet, ankles and abdomen.

How can I prevent nephrotic syndrome?

In adults, nephrotic syndrome happens when the kidneys are damaged, often by diabetes or high blood pressure. The best way to reduce your risk of getting nephrotic syndrome is to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to keep it in control with diet, exercise and any medicines that your doctor prescribes.

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