Proteinuria

Everyone has some protein values in the blood and albumin is the main protein in the blood is called. Proteins involved in many essential body functions, such as building your bones and muscles, preventing infections and controlling the amount of fluid flow in the blood.

Healthy kidneys remove excess fluid and waste materials from the blood, but the filters allow proteins and other essential nutrients to pass through. If your kidneys don’t work correctly, they let some of the proteins escape through their filters and enters into your urine. When the proteins present in your urine, the condition is called proteinuria or albuminuria. Having protein in the urine is an early sign of kidney disease.

Anyone can be a victim of the condition can be a victim of this condition. Conditions that may cause a temporary increase of protein levels in urine, but don’t indicate the damage of kidney, include:

• Dehydration
• Fever
• Stress
• Exposure to extreme cold
• Strenuous exercise

Both diabetes and high blood pressure(hypertension) are the two most common causes that damage the kidneys, which leads to proteinuria. Some other conditions that can lead to high levels of protein in your urine, which might be an indication of kidney disease include:

• Certain medication
• Amyloidosis
• Endocarditis
• Chronic kidney disease
• kidney infections
• Heart disease
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell anemia
• Age over 65
• Family history of kidney disease
• Obesity

In the stages of kidney problems, less amount of protein is found in your urine, and you may not notice any symptoms. Urine test is the only way to diagnose the protein levels in your urine. This diagnostic test is called a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). If the UACR is more than 30 mg/g, then it can be a sign of kidney disease.

If your kidney damage is severe, large quantities of protein can enter into your urine; you may observe the symptoms like:

• Foamy or bubbly-looking urine
• Swelling of your face, hands, feet, or abdomen

If you notice any of these symptoms, you are in danger of severe kidney damage. Consult a kidney care specialist immediately, discuss your symptoms and which treatment option is best for you.

Proteinuria’s condition is particularly not a disease. So the proteinuria treatment depends on managing and treating its underlying cause. If the condition is due to kidney disease, proper medical management is necessary immediately.

Untreated kidney disease becomes chronic and leads to kidney failure. In the case of mild or temporary proteinuria, treatment might not be necessary as it gets better over time.

Following healthy food habits, exercise plans, and taking drugs are prescribed, especially for people having diabetes. People with high blood pressure and proteinuria suggested taking below medication.

• ACE inhibitors
• ARBs – angiotensin receptor blockers

Proper treatment in patients with chronic disease is essential to prevent kidney damage and also in preventing proteinuria. These conditions need to get treated as early as possible. Our expert Dr. Sujeeth Reddy, has vast experience in providing treatment for proteinuria.