Chronic nephritis can be clinically divided into four syndromes of qi deficiency of the spleen and kidney, yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney, yin deficiency of the liver and kidney as well as deficiency of both qi and yin according to the onset, severity and course of the disease in syndrome differentiation. The commonly-seen symptoms of qi deficiency of the spleen and kidney include pale complexion, mild edema usually worsended by physical overstrain or cold, scanty urine, dizziness and hypodynamia.

Yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney is marked by severe general edema, especially below the waist, with hollow under pressure, epigastric and abdominal distension, or accompanied by hydrothorax and ascites in severe cases, inability to lie flat, listlessness and cold limbs; yin deficiency of the liver and kidney marked by facial edema, severe edema of lower limbs, dizziness, palpitation, dysphoria with feverish chest, palms and soles, flushed cheeks, night sweat, red tongue with a little fur; deficiency of both qi and yin manifests inapparent edema, lustreless complexion, hypodynamia, listlessness, dry mouth and throat.