What Increases Your Risk

Diabetes is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults.

You also have an increased risk of developing nephrotic syndrome if you have a disease that results in an impaired immune system, such as HIV or lupus.

Nephrotic syndrome is a relatively rare disease that can occur at any age.

When To Call a Doctor

Callor other emergency services if you have nephrotic syndrome and you develop:

• Chest pain.
• Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Sudden and severe abdominal (belly) or one-sided (flank) pain.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Bloody urine (gross hematuria).
• Sudden, severe swelling in your legs, and pain when you flex your feet.
• Swelling of the scrotum.
• Sudden, severe increase in swelling around the eyes or in the hands, legs, or feet.
• Sudden weight gain, such as 2 lb (0.9 kg) in 24 hours or 5 lb (2.3 kg) in a week.

Watchful waiting

If you think your child or you may have nephrotic syndrome, or if your child or you have the condition and the symptoms are getting worse, don't wait to get treatment. Call your doctor right away.

Who to see

Health professionals who can diagnose nephrotic syndrome include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Nephrologists, doctors who specialize in kidney disease.
• Pediatricians.
• Pediatric nephrologists, doctors who specialize in kidney disease in children.
• Physician assistants (PA).
• Nurse practitioners.

Nephrotic syndrome is usually treated by a nephrologist or a pediatric nephrologist, depending on the age of the person affected.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.