Medical history and physical exam for nephrotic syndrome

Medical history

To find out about your medical history for nephrotic syndrome, your doctor will ask questions about how you are feeling. Your answers help guide treatment decisions. Questions you may hear include:

• Have you been feeling more tired lately for no apparent reason?
• Have you noticed swelling around your eyes or in your hands, feet, or legs?
• Have you noticed any problems breathing?
• Have you had a recent weight gain of more than 10 lb (4.5 kg)?
• Have you had any blood tests or 24-hour urine tests in the past?
• What nonprescription medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin, for example) or naproxen (Aleve, for example), do you take?
• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Have you ever had a problem with blood clots, or have you ever had a stroke?
• Have you recently started any new medicines?
• Do you have diabetes or a disease of the immune system, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
• Have you recently had an infection, such as pneumonia or strep throat?
• Have you recently had a physical injury?
• Have you recently been exposed to any chemicals or heavy metals, such as lead?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?
• Do you have any known allergies to medicines or other substances?
• Have you recently been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as syphilis or herpes, or do you have any risk factors for HIV, such as having unprotected intercourse with multiple sexual partners or using injectable drugs such as heroin?

Your doctor may also ask questions about any family history of kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health conditions.

Physical exam

During the physical exam your doctor may:

• Measure your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and weight.
• Check your body for signs of fluid buildup (edema). You may have noticed swelling around your eyes, or in your hands and feet.
• Feel (palpate) your belly for signs of excess fluid buildup in the belly.
• Check your eyes for changes in the small blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina).
• Inspect your skin for dryness, irritation, open sores, and bleeding.