How to Relieve Swelling (Edema) in Lupus Nephritis

Q: Two years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus. Recently, I went to see a doctor for severe swelling and I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis. I have a hard time moving and standing. I want to know how I can prevent swelling.

A: Kidneys are responsible for filtering blood. They can separate the metabolic products and excess water from blood and make the substances that body needs in blood. Proteins as the main nutrients can remain in body.

However, Lupus Nephritis can impair the glomeruli (filters) in kidneys so the permeability of the glomerular basilar membrane improves significantly. Hence, the glomeruli can not prevent the leakages of proteins into urine, which can result in reduced protein level in blood. The concentration of proteins in blood reduces, but the concentration in tissues is still high. So the fluid will filter into subcutaneous tissues resulting in swelling.

In addition, in Lupus Nephritis, the kidneys are damaged so they can not discharge the excess fluid in body thus causing retention of water and sodium. Afterwards, swelling will occur.

For the relief of swelling in Lupus Nephritis, you should use some diuretic to control your symptoms. It can reduce the burden to your kidneys, heart, lung etc and make you feel better.

However, using diuretic can relieve the your swelling temporarily, but if your impaired glomeruli are not restored very well, the swelling will occur quite frequently.

To treat swelling in Lupus Nephritis, the treatment you chose should focus on repairing the damaged impaired glomeruli. Here Immunotherapy is recommended to you.

 Once the glomeruli are restored very well, they will be able to work normally as before. Therefore, the excess fluid will be discharged out of body and the useful proteins will remain in blood. Finally, your swelling will eliminate completely.

Learn More: What Is The Treatment for Lupus Nephritis in China