sounds like nephrotic syndrome... can be serious though not it depends on the length of time its been happening.. it can cause widespread swelling.. my neighbours child has it.. she has had it for years and will eventually need a transplant because they think shes getting kidney failure and will need dialysis... but .. having said this.. its not the same for everyone..
hope the person gets good treatment and ends up okay..
My son had protein and blood leaking into his urine as a complication of a step throat - post strepticoccal glomeroluniphritus - not sure of the exact spelling! This caused him to retain fluid and it can also give you high blood pressure. Even after recovery from the infection, it can give ongoing kidney problems - luckily he has recovered fully - I think that the rate of full recovery in a child is about 95%, but I think the chance of a full recovery in an adult is much lower.