FSGS: Dehydration And Protein In The Urine

Protein in urine (proteinuria) is one common symptom among FSGS patients and it will worsen renal damages and speed up illness progression if left untreated, therefore it is very important to know what will cause or worsen protein in urine so as to have targeted treatments and measures.

Of cause the root cause of protein in urine is abnormal leaking of proteins due to impaired glomerular basement membrane. Besides, there are a variety of factors that can aggravate protein in urine. Of cause protein in urine can be relieved if these factors are avoided. One treatable and irreversible cause of protein in urine is dehydration, therefore it is very important for FSGS patients to have adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration and this can help to a certain degree to treat proteinuria. Caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee, cola, alcohol that can cause dehydration should be avoided. Tobacco should also be avoided because nicotine can also cause proteinuria.

However if the patients have swelling, it is necessary to monitor the water intake to avoid worsening fluid and sodium retention. It is recommended by doctors that the proper daily water intake should be 24h urine volume plus 500ml.

Besides, FSGS should avoid strenuous activities, avoid anxiety and stress which can also help relieve excessive protein in urine. Some certain drugs should be avoided such as ACEI, antibiotics or heroin, etc. FSGS patients often take ACEI drugs and antibiotics to help control high blood pressure and infections, therefore it is necessary to have regular check of kidney functions to see how illness progresses and to detect any renal damages as early as possible.

If protein in urine can not be relieved after dehydration and the above mentioned factors are ruled out, it is necessary to see if kidney functions become worse.

To treat proteinuria from the root, it is necessary to repair damaged glomerular filtration membrane in FSGS so as to prevent the leakage of proteins, red blood cells and other useful substances into urine. When the filtration membrane is repaired, renal filtering functions will be improved, therefore excess water, electrolytes and wastes in the body can be discharged and patients can see overall improvements of their illness conditions.