Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic Syndrome Symptoms and Causes
Nephrotic Syndrome Description
Nephrotic syndrome is a set of symptoms that results from various disorders that damage the kidney's glomeruli, filtration units in the kidney's nephrons that rid the bloodstream of fluids and wastes.
Nephrotic Syndrome Symptoms
The most common nephrotic syndrome symptoms are:
- Swelling (edema) in the feet, hands, abdomen, face and around the eyes is the most common symptom
- High blood pressure
- Urine is foamy
- Unintentional weight gain from fluid retention
- Poor appetite
- High blood pressure
- Nephrotic syndrome symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for an accurate diagnosis.
Nephrotic Syndrome Causes
Nephrotic syndrome is caused by various disorders that damage the kidneys. The most common cause in adults is membranous glomerulonephritis. This condition damages the basement membrane of the glomerulus, the kidney's filtration membrane. The damage leads to abnormal excretion of protein in the urine. The most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children is minimal change disease.
Nephrotic syndrome can also occur as a result of infection i.e., strep throat, hepatitis, mononucleosis, use of certain drugs, cancer, genetic disorders, immune disorders, diseases that affect multiple body systems, including diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosis.
