Common signs

What parents may notice

  • Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning
  • Swelling of feet, legs or abdomen
  • Foamy urine
  • Rapid weight gain from fluid
  • Reduced urine output
  • Tiredness or poor appetite
  • A previous diagnosis with possible relapse
Possible reasons

What can cause it?

In many children, nephrotic syndrome is linked to a kidney-filtering problem that responds to steroid treatment. Some children have a different cause or treatment response and need additional evaluation.

When to book

When should your child be assessed?

  • New swelling is present
  • Urine protein is repeatedly high
  • A diagnosed child may be relapsing
  • Medicine side effects or blood pressure are concerning
  • The condition is not responding as expected
Urgent warning signs

When to seek immediate care

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Severe abdominal pain or fever
  • Very low urine output
  • Marked weakness, collapse or dehydration
  • Possible blood clot symptoms
At the specialist visit

How the concern may be evaluated

  • Urine protein and blood-test review
  • Swelling, blood pressure and weight assessment
  • Review of treatment response and relapses
  • Infection and medicine-side-effect monitoring
  • Further testing when the pattern is atypical
Prepare

What to do before the visit

  • Bring urine protein records
  • Bring daily weights if instructed
  • List steroid and other medicine doses
  • Bring discharge summaries and previous test trends
Questions parents ask

The real questions, answered.

Not what we wish you'd ask. What you're actually thinking when you find this page.

Book a consultation
Is nephrotic syndrome curable?

Many children respond well to treatment, but relapses can occur. Long-term outlook depends on the type and treatment response.

Why does swelling happen?

Protein loss in urine changes fluid balance, allowing fluid to collect in tissues.

Should salt be restricted?

Diet instructions should come from the treating team and may change according to swelling and treatment stage.

How is urine protein checked at home?

Some families are taught to use urine dipsticks. The team should demonstrate the technique and explain when to report a result.

What if my child gets fever while on steroids?

Contact the treating team promptly because infection risk and medicine instructions may need review.

Persistent symptoms deserve a clear next step.

Speak with Paediatric Nephrology or contact our team to organise the right starting point.