Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
During the first episode of nephrotic syndrome, your child may need to stay in the hospital and be observed if the swelling is severe or if she or he has blood pressure or breathing problems.
Medicines may be used to treat initial symptoms and relapses. These may include:
- Corticosteroid medicine
- Immunosuppressive medicine
- Diuretic medicine to reduce the swelling
- IV (intravenous) albumin to replace low levels in the blood
- A diet that restricts salt and fluid (see below)
The medicines used to treat nephrotic syndrome weaken the immune system. Because of this, your child should not be given live vaccines. If your child has not had the chickenpox vaccine and is exposed to the virus, he or she may need a vaccine.
Talk with your child’s health care providers about the risks, benefits and possible side effects of all medicines.
Children with nephrotic syndrome may have trouble regulating their body's water balance. This can cause swelling from fluid retention (edema). The diet for a child with nephrotic syndrome may include limiting salt and fluids. This may help to regulate your child's fluid balance. Fluids include any food that is liquid at room temperature, such as popsicles and ice cream. Salt affects body swelling. Don't add salt at the table and avoid feeding your child salty foods. Your child's health care provider will talk with you about the amount of salt and fluids your child should have each day.