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Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is when damaged kidney filters leak large amounts of protein into the urine, causing swelling and low blood protein. It can affect children and adults.
Causes & risk factors
- Minimal change disease (common in children)
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- Membranous nephropathy
- Diabetes affecting the kidneys
- Lupus and other immune conditions
Common symptoms
- Swelling of legs, face or abdomen
- Frothy urine
- Tiredness
- Weight gain from fluid
- Reduced urine output
Tests & diagnosis
- Urine protein (dipstick and 24-hour)
- Albumin
- Lipid profile
- Kidney function (RFT)
- Kidney biopsy in selected cases
Treatment & management
- Treating the underlying kidney condition (often steroids or immune-modifying medicines)
- Reducing salt and managing fluid with diuretic-category medicines
- Blood pressure control with kidney-protective medicines
- Managing cholesterol and clot risk
- Regular monitoring of urine protein and kidney function
When to see a doctor urgently
- Rapidly increasing swelling, especially with breathlessness
- Frothy urine with puffy eyes and legs
- Fever with swelling (infection risk)
- Calf pain or swelling (possible clot)
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about nephrotic syndrome. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why does nephrotic syndrome cause swelling?
The kidneys leak protein into urine, lowering blood protein so fluid moves into the tissues. This causes puffiness of the legs, face and abdomen.
Is it curable?
Some causes, especially minimal change disease in children, respond very well to treatment. Others are long-term and need ongoing specialist care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.