Proteinuria
Proteinuria
Proteinuria is a health condition where there is an excess of protein in the urine. While trace amounts of protein in urine are normal, high levels may signify a malfunction in kidney function or an injury to the filtering mechanism of the kidney, the glomeruli. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess materials from the blood while keeping necessary components such as proteins. When the glomeruli are injured, they can leak proteins such as albumin into the urine, leading to proteinuria.
Types of Proteinuria
1. Transient Proteinuria
- Temporary and often harmless
- Triggered by factors like fever, intense exercise, or dehydration
- Usually resolves without treatment
2. Orthostatic Proteinuria
- Occurs in young adults and teenagers
- Protein leaks into urine when standing but not when lying down
- Generally benign
3. Persistent Proteinuria
- Continuous loss of protein in the urine
- Often a sign of underlying kidney disease
- Requires further medical evaluation
Causes of Proteinuria
- Diabetes mellitus – causes diabetic nephropathy
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Autoimmune disorders – like lupus or Goodpasture syndrome
- Infections – urinary tract infections (UTIs), post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Certain medications – NSAIDs, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs
- Pregnancy – particularly in preeclampsia
Symptoms of Proteinuria
- Foamy or frothy urine
- Swelling (edema) in the face, hands, abdomen, or legs
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Weight gain due to fluid retention
Diagnosis of Proteinuria
- Urinalysis – Checks for the presence and amount of protein
- 24-hour urine collection – Measures total protein excretion
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) – A sensitive test for detecting small amounts of albumin
- Blood tests – To assess kidney function (creatinine, BUN, eGFR)
- Imaging tests – Ultrasound to examine kidney structure
- Kidney biopsy – In cases of unexplained or severe proteinuria
Treatment of Proteinuria
- Control of blood pressure – Using ACE inhibitors or ARBs
- Blood sugar management – For diabetic patients
- Dietary modifications – Low-sodium, low-protein diet
- Medications – Immunosuppressants or corticosteroids for autoimmune causes
- Diuretics – To reduce swelling
- Lifestyle changes – Weight management, regular exercise, smoking cessation
Complications of Untreated Proteinuria
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Increased risk of infections due to loss of immune proteins
Preventive Tips
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure
- Control blood sugar levels
- Follow a balanced, kidney-friendly diet
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid nephrotoxic medications unless prescribed
- Regular health check-ups, especially if at risk