Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to pass too much protein in your urine.
Symptoms
- Severe swelling (edema), particularly around your eyes and in your ankles and feet
- Foamy urine, a result of excess protein in your urine
- Weight gain due to fluid retention
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of nephrotic syndrome include:
- Certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of developing nephrotic syndrome, such as diabetes, lupus, amyloidosis, reflux nephropathy and other kidney diseases.
- Certain medications that might cause nephrotic syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs used to fight infections.
- Certain infections that increase the risk of nephrotic syndrome include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and malaria.
Treatment
There is no cure for nephrotic syndrome, but there are treatments that can help you manage symptoms and prevent more kidney damage. If your kidneys stop working, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.
Your health care provider might tell you to take certain medicines to treat the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.
- Medicines to control blood pressure and cholesterol can help reduce your chances of having heart disease.
- Medicine to help your body get rid of extra water can help control your blood pressure and can reduce swelling.
- Medicines to prevent blood clots can help prevent heart attack and stroke.
