What is nephrotic syndrome?
In nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys produce more protein in the urine than they should.
The syndrome is caused by a problem with the kidney's filter (glomerulus). The glomerulus is the tiny blood vessels in the kidney that filter excess fluid and waste from the blood and send it to the bladder as urine. In healthy kidneys, the glomerulus filters waste products, but when damaged, proteins from the blood leak into the urine.
No one is immune to nephrotic syndrome, but it is especially common in people with a history of kidney disease related to diabetes, allergies, or a family history of kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome.
The following symptoms are characteristic of nephrotic syndrome:
- Large amounts of protein in the urine;
- Excess fat and cholesterol in the blood;
- Swelling of the extremities;
- Low albumin levels in the blood;
- Fatigue;
- General weakness;
- Abdominal pain;
- Foamy urine;
- Loss of minerals and vitamins essential for health.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5989-nephrotic-syndrome
