Nephrotic Syndrome

What is Nephrotic Syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to lose too much protein through your urine. Your kidneys normally filter waste while keeping important nutrients like protein in your blood. When the tiny filters in your kidneys called glomeruli become damaged, they start leaking protein into your urine instead of keeping it where it belongs.

This protein loss leads to low levels of albumin and other proteins in your blood. When protein levels drop, fluid can leak from your blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This causes swelling in your legs, feet, ankles, and sometimes your face. The condition can affect people of any age, but it appears differently in children versus adults.

Nephrotic syndrome is not a disease itself but rather a group of symptoms that signal kidney damage. Several underlying conditions can cause this syndrome. Early detection through blood and urine testing helps identify the problem before serious kidney damage occurs. Many people can manage their symptoms with proper treatment and monitoring.

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Symptoms

Severe swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or around your eyes
Foamy or bubbly urine due to excess protein
Weight gain from fluid retention
Fatigue and weakness throughout the day
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
High cholesterol levels on blood tests
Increased risk of blood clots
Increased risk of infections

Some people may have mild symptoms at first and not realize their kidneys are damaged. The swelling often worsens gradually over days or weeks. Children may show signs of fluid retention in their bellies before their legs swell.

Causes and risk factors

Nephrotic syndrome happens when the filtering units in your kidneys become damaged and leak protein. Many conditions can cause this damage. In children, a disease called minimal change disease is the most common cause. In adults, diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes of kidney filter damage. Other causes include autoimmune diseases like lupus, infections such as hepatitis B or C, and certain medications that affect kidney function.

Your risk increases if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, or a family history of kidney disease. People with certain infections or those taking medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for long periods may also face higher risk. Some genetic conditions affect kidney function from birth. Lifestyle factors like poor blood sugar control and unmanaged blood pressure can accelerate kidney damage over time.

How it's diagnosed

Doctors diagnose nephrotic syndrome through blood and urine tests that measure protein levels. A urine test checks for elevated protein levels, while blood tests measure albumin, total protein, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and other markers of kidney function. Your doctor may also check cholesterol levels and test for conditions that cause kidney damage. Low albumin in your blood combined with high protein in your urine confirms the diagnosis.

Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes key markers for kidney function like albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, and cystatin C. Our panel can help you monitor kidney health and detect early signs of protein loss. Your doctor may recommend additional urine tests and sometimes a kidney biopsy to identify the underlying cause. Regular testing helps track how well treatment is working.

Treatment options

Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors or ARBs to reduce protein loss
Diuretics to help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling
Cholesterol-lowering medications called statins
Blood thinners if you are at high risk for clots
Immunosuppressants or steroids for autoimmune causes
Low-sodium diet to manage fluid retention and blood pressure
Moderate protein intake as recommended by your doctor
Regular exercise to maintain healthy weight and heart health
Blood sugar control if you have diabetes
Treating the underlying condition causing kidney damage

Frequently asked questions

Nephrotic syndrome happens when the tiny filters in your kidneys become damaged and leak protein. In children, minimal change disease is the most common cause. In adults, diabetes and high blood pressure cause most cases. Other causes include lupus, infections, certain medications, and inherited kidney disorders.

The outlook depends on what is causing the syndrome. Some cases, especially minimal change disease in children, respond well to treatment and may go into remission. Other causes require long-term management to protect kidney function. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent permanent kidney damage. Working with your doctor to control the underlying cause gives you the best outcome.

Protein in your urine often makes it appear foamy or bubbly, similar to beaten eggs. However, you may not always notice this sign. A simple urine test at your doctor's office or lab can measure protein levels accurately. Regular testing is important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney disease risk factors.

Blood tests that measure albumin, total protein, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen help diagnose this condition. Low albumin combined with high cholesterol often signals nephrotic syndrome. Tests like cystatin C provide additional information about kidney function. Rite Aid offers testing for these key markers to help you monitor your kidney health.

When your kidneys leak protein into your urine, protein levels in your blood drop. Albumin and other proteins normally keep fluid inside your blood vessels. Without enough protein, fluid leaks into surrounding tissues. This causes swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes your face and belly.

No, nephrotic syndrome is not the same as kidney failure, but it can lead to it if left untreated. Nephrotic syndrome means your kidneys are leaking protein but may still be filtering waste. Kidney failure means your kidneys have lost most of their ability to filter waste from your blood. Early treatment of nephrotic syndrome helps prevent progression to kidney failure.

Limit sodium to reduce fluid retention and swelling. Avoid processed foods, canned soups, deli meats, and salty snacks. Your doctor may recommend moderating protein intake based on your specific situation. Limit saturated fats since nephrotic syndrome often raises cholesterol. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins prepared without added salt.

Many children with minimal change disease, the most common childhood cause, respond well to steroid treatment. Some children experience complete remission and do not have future episodes. Others may have relapses that require additional treatment. Regular monitoring and follow-up care help manage the condition and protect long-term kidney health.

Testing frequency depends on your specific situation and treatment plan. Most people need blood and urine tests every few months to monitor protein levels and kidney function. More frequent testing may be needed when starting new medications or if your condition changes. Regular testing helps your doctor adjust treatment and catch problems early.

Untreated nephrotic syndrome can lead to serious problems including blood clots, infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and progressive kidney damage. Over time, this damage may result in chronic kidney disease or kidney failure requiring dialysis. Early treatment protects your kidneys and prevents these serious outcomes. Regular monitoring and medication adherence are essential for long-term health.