Nephrotic syndrome is an important clinical condition affecting both children and adults. Studies suggest that the pathogenesis of edema in individual patients may occur via widely variable mechanisms, i.e., intravascular volume underfilling versus overfilling. Managing edema should therefore be directed to the underlying pathophysiology. Nephrotic syndrome is also associated with clinically important complications related to urinary loss of proteins other than albumin. This educational review focuses on the pathophysiology and management of edema and secondary complications in patients with nephrotic syndrome.