N04.9: Nephrotic syndrome Unspecified

Your kidneys are not working properly.

There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. They filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate the blood pressure and salt content in the blood, among other things.

Your kidneys can no longer filter proteins properly. So proteins are passed from the blood into the urine. The body needs proteins to be able to work properly. For example, proteins are responsible for fighting off pathogens, or blood clotting. If too much protein is passed in your urine you may have different symptoms. For example, water may be deposited in the body. The excess fluid can cause your legs to swell, for example. You may also have an increased risk of infections. Blood clots may also form more quickly. If the urine contains too much protein, the urine can be foamy when you pass water.

There are a number of reasons why the kidneys stop working properly. For example, they may have been damaged as a result of another condition, such as an inflammation. The kidneys may also have been damaged by certain types of medication. Sometimes, though, no cause can be found.