Nephrotic Syndrome occurs as a result of various diseases and underlying
disorders that damage the tiny filters of the kidneys - glomeruli, resulting in
the occurrence of group of symptoms including edema (especially around the eyes,
in the feet and hands), high blood cholesterol, and low blood protein levels.
Here, we mainly talk about the causes of edema in NS.
A person with NS may suffer from edema mainly due to massive loss of protein
in the urine. Disorders that may cause NS including membranous nephropathy,
Diabetic Nephropathy, and FSGS, etc. They damage the glomeruli, small blood
vessels that filter waste products and excessive fluid from the blood. As a
result, big molecules like protein can be spilt out into the urine.
Due to too much protein loss in the urine, there is protein deficiency in the
blood. Normal amounts of protein in the blood are necessary to help regulate the
fluid all over the body. Normally, protein in teh blood draws water from the
tissues and into the blood.
If the level of blood protein is low, the normal movement of water is
reversed, and fluid is drawn from the blood and builds up in the tissues. This
excessive accumulation of blood in tissues can lead to the puffiness and
swelling (edema).
Moreover, the decrease of effective blood volume can also lead to the
occurrence of swelling. The effective blood volume reduces drastically because
of plasma water's moving. Consequently, changes as below may occur:
Increased ADH → rises of water reabsorption of renal tubules;
Adopt RAA method → secondary hyperaldosteronism → increase of sodium
reabsorption of renal tubules → inhibit the production of natriuretic factors →
less sodium is discharged → water and sodium retention → aggravated edema in
NS.
Recognizing the cause of edema is a significant milestone toward successful
treatment. Is there still anything unclear? Call +86 311 8926-1580 or email to
kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.