Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome refers to a kidney disorder that causes one's body to excrete too much protein in the urine. It is usually caused due to damage to the clusters of tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) in the kidneys that filter waste and excess water from the blood.

The glomeruli filter the blood as it passes through one's kidneys, separating things the body needs from those it doesn't. When damaged, the glomeruli allow too much blood protein in the body to filter out, thus leading to Nephrotic syndrome.

The symptoms of Nephrotic syndrome include:

• Swelling (edema) mainly around the eyes, ankles and feet
• Foamy urine which may be caused by excess protein in the urine
• Weight gain due to fluid retention

Contact your doctor if you:

• Have symptoms of Nephrotic syndrome
• Sores on the skin
• Nephrotic syndrome that doesn't go away

A kidney biopsy may be needed to find out the cause of the disorder.