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 infection (STI), 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.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology |
| Last Revised | May 17, 2011 |