Prevention

Avoiding situations or controlling the other diseases that can contribute to kidney disease can sometimes prevent nephrotic syndrome. The earlier a person changes factors that damage the kidneys, the better. You can help prevent kidney damage by:

• Keeping your blood pressure at less than 125/75 mm Hg with medication, diet, and exercise. For more information, see the topic High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
• Keeping strict control over your blood glucose level if you have diabetes. For more information, see the topic Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.
• Maintaining healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol and triglycerides. For more information, see the topic High Cholesterol.
• Not smoking or using other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

If you were diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the past:

• Avoid dehydration. For more information, see the topic Dehydration.
  • Promptly treat illnesses that cause dehydration, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
  • Prevent dehydration during hot weather and when you exercise. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids (water or rehydration drinks) each day. Drink extra water before, during, and after exercise. Take a container of water or sports drink with you when you exercise, and try to drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes. Use a sports drink if you will be exercising for longer than 1 hour.
  • Avoid caffeine drinks, such as coffee and colas. They increase urine output, which increases dehydration.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages. They increase urine output, which increases dehydration.
  • Do not take salt tablets. Most people get plenty of salt in their diets. Use a sports drink if you are worried about replacing minerals lost through sweating. Do not use a sports drink if you have heart failure unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.
  • Stop working outdoors or exercising at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue.
  • Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored clothing when you are working or exercising outdoors. Replace sweaty clothing with dry clothing as soon as you can.
• Avoid medications that may harm the kidney.
• Avoid X-ray tests that use contrast material.
• Prevent heart disease. Lifestyle changes—eating a low-fat diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise—can help reduce your overall risk of developing heart disease and stroke. For more information, see the topic Coronary Artery Disease.