Nephrotic syndrome

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Swelling around eyes or legs
• Puffy eyes or face, with foamy urine
• Foamy or bubbly urine

Less common

• Foamy urine
• Weight gain

Look up a symptom: Foamy or bubbly urine · Puffy eyes or face, with foamy urine · Swollen ankles, feet, or both legs

When to get medical care

Causes

Kidney filter damage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children
• Diabetes

Diagnosis

Urine and blood tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Urine protein:
• Kidney biopsy: Sometimes.

Treatment

Follow treatment.

Self-care

• Limit salt

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Kidney Foundation: Help line, peer mentors, and education about kidney health.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Nephrotic syndrome