There are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste and excess
water from the blood stream. When these filters are damaged, a person will get
Nephrotic Syndrome. The most common early symptom of this disorder, in both
children and adults, is swelling in the tissues around the eyes or in the ankles
or feet due to drop in osmotic pressure. The following gives detailed
introduction.
Colloid Osmotic Pressure
It can also be referred to as oncotic pressure, which is a measurement of
pressure exerted within the cardiovascular system by proteins found in blood
plasma. Maintaining the proper levels osmotic pressure ensures that the body
tissues maintain the proper levels of liquid and that too much liquid doesn't
escape from the capillaries.
Normally, colloid osmotic pressure tends to cause fluid to be drawn into the
capillaries. Variations in this pressure can lead to build up of fluid in the
tissues, a condition called edema, or swelling.
Swelling due to Drop of Osmotic Pressure in NS
Individuals with NS suffer from large quantity of Urine Protein. Massive
proteins will get released into the urine, leading to reduced amount of plasma
colloid osmotic pressure. If this happens, the normal exchange of body fluid is
disturbed and cannot keep balance any more. Water in blood vessels will transfer
toward tissue fluid, resulting in swelling.
Besides, another cause of edema in NS is also associated with low blood
protein concentration.
Water in the blood transfers toward interstitial tissue, leading to low
effective blood volume. This in turn gives rise to the production of
Anti-diuretic Hormone (ADH). Renal tubules will reabsorb more water and sodium,
resulting in more water retention. This condition will aggravate the swelling in
NS.
The above is a general introduction of cause of swelling in NS. Is there
still anything unclear about the disease? Contact our online doctor for free
help.