Question
My child has been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, starting with general swelling. After 16 days of hospital treatment, there has been some improvement.
Answer
Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized primarily by large amounts of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, severe edema, and hyperlipidemia. The presence of protein is due to various factors or etiologies that cause kidney damage, increasing the permeability of the glomerular filtration membrane, allowing proteins to leak out. Edema occurs due to kidney damage and the retention of water and sodium. For the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, Western medicine primarily uses hormone-based medications to symptomatically lower indicators, but these merely provide temporary control or reduction in protein leakage without repairing the damaged kidneys. Once the condition encounters situations like colds, fatigue, or infections, it is prone to recurrence. Each recurrence worsens the condition, and the ultimate outcome can be renal failure and uremia. It is recommended to adopt a standardized integrated treatment plan combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine. While Western medicine addresses the symptoms and lowers indicators, traditional Chinese medicine can repair the damaged kidneys fundamentally, controlling the condition, preventing recurrence, and avoiding further progression that may affect kidney function, thus not impacting your life. Current dietary recommendations include low-sodium, low-fat, high-quality low-protein foods (such as lean meat, freshwater fish, egg whites, etc.), and avoidance of spicy and irritating foods. Pay attention to rest, avoid fatigue, and prevent colds. Wishing your child a speedy recovery!