Protein in Urine : Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They are known as a “body-building” nutrient, very essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Your blood is made up of nutrients that you consume through fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Healthy kidneys remove waste from your blood, but let proteins and other such vital nutrients return back to your body. When your kidneys are not working as well as they should, they can let some protein (albumin) escape through their filters, into your urine.The medical term for increased levels of protein in urine is known as Proteinuria.

Anyone can have protein in their urine. You may be more at risk for having it if you have one or more of the risk factors for kidney disease, such as:

Conditions that can cause a temporary rise in the levels of protein in urine, but don't necessarily indicate kidney damage, include:

Diseases and conditions that can cause persistently elevated levels of protein in urine, which might indicate kidney disease, include:

1. Amyloidosis (buildup of abnormal proteins in your organs)
2. Certain Medications
3. Kidney Diseases
4. Diabetes
5. Endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart)
6. Glomerulonephritis (inflammation in the kidney cells that filter waste from the blood)
7. Heart disease
8. High blood pressure (hypertension)
9. Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
10. Autoimmune Diseases (eg. Lupus)
11. Malaria
12. Multiple myeloma (a type of cancer)
13. Pregnancy
14. Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
15. Blood Disorders

These are also symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially foamy urine and swelling, should see a doctor immediately.

• The treatment for proteinuria (protein in urine) depends on the underlying cause. Each condition requires different treatments. 
• If a kidney disease is confirmed, a treatment plan might include medication, diet changes, weight loss and exercise. 
• Diabetes and hypertension patients with proteinuria might need blood pressure medication, and those with diabetes will have to control their blood sugar.
•  Blood pressure and urine should be checked every six months to make sure kidney disease isn’t present. As for those with mild or temporary proteinuria, treatment may not be necessary.
• Proteinuria cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled. 
• Many of the causes of proteinuria can be treated (diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and kidney disease), allowing your healthcare provider to improve the condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms of proteinuria, it’s important to see your doctor immediately. Proteinuria can lead to kidney disease and if left untreated, will result in the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. It is also very important to monitor urine samples of such an individual at repeated intervals of time.Neodocs Wellness Cards help detect and monitor protein levels in your urine with a seconds long procedure yielding quick and accurate results, all in the comfort of your home.