Proteinuria is a medical term for excessive levels of protein in urine. This can be due to underlying medical conditions or even lifestyle choices. We will be examining the possible causes in this article, as well as diagnosis and management techniques for those suffering from proteinuria.
Causes of Protein in Urine (Proteinuria)
Proteinuria is a condition that can be caused by various factors, with kidney diseases being one of the most common reasons for this condition. When the kidneys are not performing optimally, it can cause the protein to leak into the urine. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis are some conditions that might damage the kidneys, resulting in proteinuria.
Proteinuria can also be caused by infection. Two of the most common culprits are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). UTI inflammation and kidney damage are likely causes, as well as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, which may inflame the urethra and bladder and lead to proteinuria.
Prescription drugs may also be responsible for proteinuria in some individuals. Popular medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ACE inhibitors can obstruct the process of renal filtration, increasing the amount of proteins present in urine.
Proteinuria may also result from a lack of water in the body. This occurs when the kidneys cannot effectively filter out proteins, leading to them being found in one’s urine. Replenishing hydration levels often remedy this problem and resolve any proteinuria present.
In addition to medical conditions, lifestyle choices can trigger proteinuria. High protein diets and strenuous exercise may boost protein levels in the urine. At the same time, fevers can cause dehydration, eventually leading to proteinuria.
Types of Proteinuria
Proteinuria is a medical condition that can manifest in various forms, all of which are related to the cause of the syndrome. The different kinds of proteinuria include:
► Transient proteinuria
► Orthostatic proteinuria
► Persistent proteinuria
► Nephrotic proteinuria
► Overflow proteinuria
What are the Symptoms of Proteinuria?
Although proteinuria usually does not cause noticeable symptoms, it can indicate something more serious. It is typically picked up during a regular urine test or when being tested for other health issues.
When kidney disease is the source of proteinuria, it may be accompanied by various symptoms. These can include swelling in the lower parts of the body, tiredness, high blood pressure, and alterations in the frequency, urgency, or pain associated with urination. Additionally, appetite disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and sleep issues are all potential indicators of kidney disease alongside proteinuria.
Individuals may be met with other varying symptoms when proteinuria is a result of an infection. These include discomfort or pain when urinating, increased urination frequency, or needing to urinate urgently. Fever, chills, and abdominal pain may also be experienced.
Under certain conditions, extreme amounts of protein excreted through the urine can give rise to a condition called nephrotic syndrome. Symptoms associated with this disorder include swollen limbs, exhaustion, and a higher likelihood of developing infections.
Diagnosing Proteinuria
A series of steps and medical assessments must be undertaken when diagnosing proteinuria. To start, your renal physician will require an in-depth medical history from their patient. Questions about current or past symptoms, existing health conditions, and medications are typically asked to identify potential contributing factors. Following this, your renal physician will conduct a physical examination to determine whether there are any indications of kidney disease or related problems.
Urine tests are essential for diagnosing proteinuria. The two commonly used tests are the dipstick test and 24-hour urine collection. The dipstick test involves dipping a unique chemical strip (dipstick) into a urine sample. The strip changes colour if the protein is present in the urine, indicating proteinuria. However, this test may not provide precise quantitative measurements.
On the other hand, 24-hour urine collection involves collecting all urine produced within a 24-hour period. The total protein content in the collected urine is then measured in a laboratory, providing a more detailed assessment of proteinuria.
In some cases, additional urine tests may be ordered to determine the type and cause of proteinuria. These tests may include a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, which estimates the amount of protein in a single urine sample, or a urine albumin test, which measures explicitly the presence of albumin. These tests help in further characterising the proteinuria and assessing its severity.
Blood tests are also an essential part of the diagnosis process. These tests evaluate kidney function and detect any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to proteinuria. Standard blood tests measure serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin levels. Abnormalities in these blood markers may indicate kidney dysfunction or other systemic issues.
Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to examine the kidneys and urinary tract. These tests can help identify structural abnormalities or kidney diseases that may cause proteinuria. Additionally, a kidney biopsy may be recommended in some instances. This procedure includes taking a small tissue sample from the kidney for microscopic examination. It is usually performed when the underlying cause of proteinuria is unclear or if kidney disease is suspected.
Proteinuria Treatment
Treating proteinuria requires identifying the underlying cause. When proteinuria is mild and attributed to lifestyle factors like dehydration or intense physical activity, your renal physician may recommend minor changes in habits. These can include increasing water intake, reducing consumption of high-protein foods, and taking a break from vigorous exercise.
Suppose proteinuria results from an underlying illness such as kidney disease. In that case, the specialist will develop a treatment plan to target the root cause and may involve medications to manage high blood pressure or glucose levels and lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation and weight loss.
More aggressive treatment options, such as dialysis or a kidney transplant, may be necessary for patients with more advanced forms of proteinuria.
It is critical to consider a patient’s existing health condition and its root cause when deciding what action to take next. Therefore, it is essential to consult a qualified renal physician to determine the best course of action based on your needs.