The most obvious symptom is usually swelling of the ankles and legs. Extra fluid may also accumulate in the abdomen and around the face, especially overnight. In children and young adults the ankles may be less affected and the abdomen and face more affected. Urine tests and blood samples are required to prove that nephrotic syndrome is the cause. The protein leak can sometimes make the urine frothy.
Some people feel tired.
Other problems can occur in nephrotic syndrome, probably as a result of some particular proteins that are missing because of the leak. Infections Patients are unusually susceptible to some infections. In people who have nephrotic syndrome for a long time, cholesterol is often very high. This may increase the risk of narrowing of the arteries unless it is treated. Blood clotting Blood is more likely to clot in the veins, which may cause thrombosis in the leg veins and occasionally elsewhere.