Overview

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disease that causes the kidneys to lose too much protein in the urine because the glomeruli, which are the kidneys' tiny filtering units, are damaged. When these filters break, they allow a lot of protein, especially albumin, to leak into the urine rather than staying in the blood. This causes low blood protein levels and fluid buildup in tissues. Nephrotic syndrome can affect both children and adults, arising from primary kidney disease or systemic conditions. To avoid complications and preserve kidney function, it's important to detect and treat the disease early.

Symptoms
The most obvious sign is swelling, which occurs when the body retains too much fluid. This happens mostly around the eyes, ankles, feet, and stomach. People may see foamy urine because they have too much protein in their urine. It's common to gain weight when your body has too much fluid. You may feel tired, lose your appetite, and be more likely to get sick. In some cases, high cholesterol levels happen at the same time as kidney damage.

Causes
Minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are two primary kidney diseases that can cause nephrotic syndrome. It may also occur as a result of systemic diseases such as diabetes or lupus, infections, or certain drugs. Immune system problems often cause damage to the glomeruli. In some people, genetic factors may play a role.

Diagnosis
To diagnose, urine tests must show high protein levels, and blood tests must show low albumin and high cholesterol. Kidney function tests check the extent of the damage. Imaging studies may assess renal architecture. A kidney biopsy is often performed to determine what is really wrong.

Treatment
The treatment depends on the cause and is intended to reduce protein loss and control symptoms. Corticosteroids, immune-suppressing drugs, and blood pressure-lowering drugs are among the medicines that may be used. Diuretics help bring down swelling. It is suggested that you change your diet, for example, by reducing your salt intake. To improve outcomes in the long run, it's important to manage infections and keep underlying conditions under control.

The prognosis differs based on the aetiology and treatment response. Many kids do well in therapy, but adults may have a more unpredictable course. Early treatment and regular checkups can help keep your kidneys healthy and avoid problems