Nephrotic Syndrome In Adults
Overview
Causes
Tiny filters in the kidneys remove waste from the blood and makes urine. If they are not working well, wastes and fluids build up in the body.
The most common cause is damage from kidney problems such as:
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- Membranous nephropathy
- Glomerulonephritis
- IgA nephropathy
- Minimal change disease
Other causes are problems that harm the kidneys such as:
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Buildup of certain proteins—amyloidosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Certain infections such as HIV
- Sickle cell disease
- Some cancers
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Swelling of feet, ankles, and legs—less often belly, hands, and face
- Feeling tired
- Not feeling hungry
- Weight gain
- Foamy urine
- Breathing problems
Treatments
Treatment
In some people, nephrotic syndrome goes away on its own. In others, the cause will need to be treated. Options are:
- Diet changes
-
Medicines to lower:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Fluid buildup
- Protein in the urine
- Dialysis to filter blood when the kidneys cannot
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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