Healthy kidneys do their jobs (filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood) efficiently. In people with diseased kidneys, the filters may not work properly and cause protein to leak into the urine. This causes low levels of protein in your blood and high levels in urine. In medical terms, it’s called Nephrotic Syndrome.
The issue can cause a range of symptoms, such as swelling of the ankles, legs, and other body parts. See a kidney specialist in Mumbai if you experience foamy urine, edema, fatigue, loss of appetite, and other such symptoms that might indicate nephrotic syndrome. In this post, we’ve discussed how the condition affects your life expectancy.
Factors That Affect Life Expectancy
Nephrotic syndrome can make you prone to secondary illnesses due to protein loss. These proteins include immunoglobulins, which fight infections, as well as proteins that prevent blood clots. Fortunately, some people recover fully. Others, however, may need to keep in touch with a nephrologist for regular monitoring.
Here are a few factors that can affect life expectancy in people with nephrotic syndrome.
- Age: Children are likely to recover well and respond better to medication compared to the elderly.
- Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle with poor dietary choices can put excessive strain on your already diseased kidneys. Quit smoking and avoid alcohol (if you haven’t already). Both can damage blood vessels, affecting your kidney function. Practice meditation and mindfulness to reduce stress.
- Underlying Issues: Nephrotic syndrome can develop due to underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or lupus. Recovery and life expectancy, in such cases, depend on how well the underlying illness is managed.
- Treatment: Early treatment can help preserve your kidney function. If not diagnosed and addressed soon, nephrotic syndrome can worsen into Chronic Kidney Disease or even kidney failure. The life expectancy of people with advanced kidney disease is often shorter than that of those with healthy kidneys.
How to Improve Life Expectancy with Nephrotic Syndrome
With proper treatment and some lifestyle adjustments, many people can go into remission. The prognosis is good for kids, especially. Here is how you can improve your life expectancy if you have nephrotic syndrome.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication, which may be immunosuppressants, diuretics, or steroids. Medication to keep your blood pressure under control can also be recommended. Stick to the prescribed dosage.
- Manage Blood Pressure and Diabetes: Both can strain your kidneys and reduce their efficiency. Uncontrolled diabetes, especially, can negatively affect your kidney health.
- Follow a Kidney-friendly Diet: Avoid processed foods. Too much sodium, phosphorus, and potassium can also damage your kidneys in the long run. Salt, particularly, can increase blood pressure and cause swelling.
- Get Vaccinated: Get flu shots at a multispecialty hospital in Navi Mumbai to prevent pneumonia and other such infections. This helps reduce the risk of infections, which can worsen nephrotic syndrome.
While nephrotic syndrome is a serious issue, it can often be managed with the right treatment, a nourishing diet, an active lifestyle, and regular checkups. Many people live healthy and normal lives. In fact, some recover completely from nephrotic syndrome.