When a person is diagnosed with lupus nephritis, the whole
family will be panic, being ignorant of what would happen or what the life is
like with lupus nephritis. The whole family may ask “how is the life quality
with lupus nephritis?”
What is lupus nephritis?
Lupus nephritis is a kidney disorder caused by systemic lupus erythematosus
which is an autoimmune disease, involving many organs of the body such as
kidneys, heart, brain etc.
What are the lupus nephritis symptoms?
Protein in the urine. Developing lupus nephritis, patient will notice foamy
urine which is caused protein leakage into the urine.
Get up to urinate during the night. A lot of patients complain about frequent
urination at night which leads to a poor quality of sleep.
Edema. The loss of protein in the urine from lupus nephritis may then lead to
fluid retention with weight gain. This is often the first symptom noticed of
lupus nephritis. The swelling will be absent in the morning, but will gradually
worsen as the person walks about during the day.
High blood pressure. High blood pressure may appear before or after lupus
nephritis. In any case, it is a dangerous factor which speeds up the progress of
lupus kidney disease. The tight control of blood pressure is a good way to
reserve the kidney function.
The treatment of lupus nephritis
The goal of treatment is to improve kidney function and to delay kidney
failure. Your doctor may prescribe medicines including corticosteroids,
cellcept, or prednisone to suppress the immune system.
Dialysis or renal transplant may be needed to handle the symptoms of kidney
failure when kidneys do not function at all.
Immunotherapy is a new therapy which has been the current
treatment for lupus nephritis. (Learn more about Current Recommended Treatment
for Lupus Nephritis).
Lifestyle and diet change is necessary for lupus nephritis in order to keep
the lupus under control. For example, patients should avoid extreme of water
restriction and water excess. Your physician will tell you if you are drinking
too much or too little water.
Virtually, people can live a happy life as long as lupus is under control and
kidney disease is treated with proper treatment.
Learn More: Chinese Medicine for Lupus Nephritis