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Name: Ahlam Salim Attiq

Topic: Nephrotic Syndrome                          

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that is caused by many kidney diseases. It leads to loss of protein with the waste. Nephrotic is Greek word which means kidney, and syndrome means some of symptoms. Nephrotic syndrome was discovered by Karl Tryggyason. It usually develops in newborn babies, and it may lead to death. This essay presents a definition of nephrotic syndrome based on its causes, symptoms and treatment.

The first aspect is cause. There are two causes of nephrotic syndrome: glomerular illness and any other diseases that affect kidney filtration. Glomerular is the unit filtration of the nephron, so any damage in it will affect the kidney filtrating.  Inflammation and immune damage are the two main causes of glomerular disease. However, cancer, diabetes, lung disease and infections, for example HIV, are some of the disease that cause nephrotic syndrome.  

Furthermore, nephrotic syndrome can be defined according to symptoms. There are three main symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. A low level of the protein “ albumin” in the blood is the first main symptom of nephrotic syndrome. Edema, or swelling, is the second symptom of nephrotic syndrome. It is occurs in the extremities, around the eyes and in the abdomen. In some cases, weakness and fatigue are third symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.

Finally, nephrotic syndrome can be defined according to treatment. However, the treatment of nephrotic syndrome depends on the diseases that cause it. Medication and diet are the two ways of treating nephrotic syndrome. As a medication, patients use corticosteroids to decrease the inflammation. Also medications which produce antibodies are very useful to help the immune system. To reduce swelling and control blood pressure, the patient uses medications, which include diuretics. For diet, patients eat food without salt and which contains a lot of protein.

In conclusion, nephrotic syndrome is a condition that is caused by many kidney diseases. It can be defined based on its causes, symptoms and treatment. Caused by glomerular disease, it causes a range of symptoms, but it is characterized by swelling. There are two major courses of treatment for nephrotic syndrome. Medication and diet are the two important ways to treat nephrotic syndrome. It is usually caught by newborn babies, and it may lead to death.