Proteinuria, or excess protein in the urine, may be a sign of a serious medical issue such as kidney damage. Proteinuria is a condition in which protein is detected in urine from urine tests. While a certain level of protein in the urine can be normal, elevated levels may indicate an unknown condition.
Because there are many causes of proteinuria, it can be challenging to determine when you should be concerned. If you find yourself urinating more frequently, in pain when you urinate, or feeling dizzy, reach out to a proteinuria specialist who can help you manage symptoms of proteinuria and find the cause.
The Types of Proteinuria
According to the National Library of Medicine, proteinuria can be classified as transient or persistent. These types vary in severity, but you should be concerned if you experience any of the symptoms listed below.
Transient Proteinuria
Transient proteinuria is intermittent proteinuria that resolves. This type of proteinuria is likely to resolve on its own. However, this type of proteinuria can be caused by:
- Stress
- Fever
- Urinary tract infection
- Foamy urine
- Pregnancy
- Heavy exercise
- Vaginal mucus
- Orthostatic proteinuria (occurs when a person has been upright for prolonged periods)
Although this condition is temporary, the symptoms experienced may be severe.
Persistent Proteinuria
Those with persistent proteinuria can experience:
- Primary or secondary renal disease
- Glomerular disease
- Diabetes
- Vasculitis
- Hypertension
- Congestive cardiac failure
- Myeloma
- Amyloidosis
- Connective tissue diseases
Persistent proteinuria can lead to any of the above, creating serious health concerns. In addition to these two types of proteinuria, several benign causes of proteinuria exist.
Benign Causes of Proteinuria
Benign proteinuria ranges from one individual to another. The causes of benign proteinuria may include:
- Head injury
- Emotional stress
- Acute illness
- Dehydration
- Inflammatory process
- Intense physical activity
- Fever
Benign causes of proteinuria do not increase morbidity. Additionally, proteinuria is not a part of the normal aging process. When acknowledged and treated quickly, proteinuria symptoms can be minor and fleeting. Individuals who refuse treatment may suffer from kidney damage.
Symptoms of Protein in Urine
Those losing large amounts of protein because the kidneys are not filtering correctly may suffer from various symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of appetite
- Puffiness around your eyes
- Tiredness
- Muscle cramping
- Swelling of the face
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Although small amounts of protein in the urine may not be serious, individuals with proteinuria may experience the symptoms above. The main symptoms associated with protein in the urine are all dependent on the severity of your condition. Some instances can be worse than others.
How to Treat Proteinuria
Those suffering from proteinuria should seek treatment. There are a variety of treatments available to consider.
Treatments of proteinuria consist of:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) inhibitors
- Diuretic therapy and dietary salt restriction
- Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (NDCCB)
- Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DCCB)
Thankfully, these treatments can help symptoms subside and may put a stop to the progression of kidney disease.
Complications Associated With Proteinuria
Unfortunately, proteinuria is associated with significant complications. In fact, the condition puts individuals at risk of the following:
- Bacterial infections
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Coronary heart disease
- Kidney disease progression
- Renal replacement therapy
- Pulmonary edema
- Cerebrovascular disease
These serious conditions can significantly affect a person’s health, including those with proteinuria.
See A Kidney Specialist Today
If you have noticed symptoms associated with urinary output, such as foamy urine or frequent urinary tract infections, consider seeing a kidney specialist to learn more about your kidney health and rule out severe conditions.
Victor Gura is a board-certified kidney specialist who can help you with your health concerns. Contact us today to learn more about the kidney health services we provide and how to relieve your symptoms.