Nephrotic Syndrome Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling around the following body parts:
  • Eyes
  • Face
  • Feet
  • Ankles
  • Hands
  • Abdomen
• Weight gain from excess fluids
• Shortness of breath
• Poor appetite
• Foamy urine
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. High blood pressure may indicate kidney damage. A urine test will show if you have too much protein in your urine, and a blood test will show if your blood contains too much cholesterol and not enough protein.

Other blood tests may be performed to determine the cause of the syndrome and to assess how well the kidney is functioning. If your doctor suspects nephrotic syndrome, he or she may refer you to a nephrologist (kidney specialist).

In some cases, a biopsy of the kidney is necessary to determine the cause of the syndrome and the best way to treat it. Imaging tests of the kidneys may also be useful in selected cases. These include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
• Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine structures inside the body