Do I Have Nephrotic Syndrome?

Do you have swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles?

Does your skin that feels tight in the swollen area?

Do you have a “heavy feeling” in the swollen area?

Do you have difficulties moving your joints in the swollen area?

Do you have swelling in your face, particularly around your eyes?

Do you have unexplained weight gain?

Do you feel very tired or fatigued?

Do you have foamy or bubbly urine?

As far as you know, do you have increased protein levels in the urine?

As far as you know, do you have low levels of albumin in your blood (hypoalbuminemia)?

As far as you know, do you have high fat and cholesterol levels in your blood (hyperlipidemia)?

Do you have white lines that extend all the way across your nail and lie parallel to the lunula (the whitish mark at the base of a fingernail)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have nephritic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disease. People with this condition have too much protein in their urine. Clusters of small blood vessels in your kidney that remove waste and excess water from the blood are called glomeruli. Glomerular damage and improper blood filtration lead to nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome can be the result of a disease that affects only the kidneys, but in over 50 percent of cases of nephritic syndrome, this condition is caused by systemic diseases (diseases that affect different parts of your body), such as diabetes.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have nephritic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome represents a group of symptoms that indicate that your kidneys are not working properly. People with nephrotic syndrome have too much protein in their urine, low levels of protein and high levels of cholesterol in their blood, and swelling. Many people find that they have this condition during a routine medical examination. Nephrotic syndrome is the result of a disease that damages the filters in your kidneys called glomeruli. Your doctor will order a blood and urine test to determine how well your kidneys are working. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy may be needed.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have nephritic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is a set of symptoms that occur due to kidney damage. It can affect both adults and children. People with this condition excrete too much of the protein called albumin in their urine. Albumin helps your body to remove excess fluid. People with nephrotic syndrome accumulate fluid in their bodies, which causes swelling in the legs, feet and ankles. Nephrotic syndrome can cause high blood pressure, blood clots and an increased risk of infections. The goal of treatment is to treat the underlying cause of the disease.