If a person gets sick, as a rule, he undergoes many tests, including a urine test. Particular attention is paid to increased protein in the urine or proteinuria. It indicates a pathology in the body, which often requires treatment.
According to medical standards, the amount of protein in the urine of a healthy person cannot exceed 0.033 g/l, but more often it is completely absent. If, as a result of the analysis, it was revealed, then what this means should be clarified with your attending physician, since other features must be taken into account to determine the pathology. Protein that exceeds the norm is usually divided into three stages:
- mild, in which the amount does not exceed 1 g per day;
- moderate is characterized by a content of 1 to 3 g per day:
- severe, in which a lot of protein is found in the urine - over 3 g per day.
The exact level of protein in urine is determined using a biochemical analysis; if the level is exceeded, examination and constant monitoring are prescribed.
The reason that the analysis showed an increased level of protein can only be accurately stated by a specialist after the examination. Most often, high protein indicates urological diseases; in addition, it can exceed the permissible norm due to insufficient hygiene procedures before collecting the analysis. Increased protein in the urine in men is observed with inflammation of the prostate gland, as well as other diseases of the genitourinary system. An increase in this indicator can be caused by the following reasons:
- Burns or mechanical injuries to the kidneys, as well as chemotherapy.
- Kidney pathologies often cause an increase in protein in urine. A large amount can be caused by such diseases as pregnancy, pyelonephritis, and malignant kidney tumor. In these cases, the body produces too much protein, the volume of which the kidneys cannot cope with, so it must be excreted with fluid.
- Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which there is an increase in the blood levels of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
- Diabetes mellitus almost always causes an increase in the level of protein in a person’s urine.
- Disease of the central nervous system.
These are not all cases in which a person has protein in his urine. An increase in this indicator can be caused by other pathologies, but they are not so common. Sometimes this situation is not dangerous for a person and requires retaking the test, for example, during intense physical activity on the eve of the test, prolonged exposure to the sun or hypothermia, severe stress or epileptic seizures.
What does increasing protein levels mean for a person?
An increased concentration of protein in the urine indicates the presence of a disease in the body, which, if not treated in a timely manner, can lead to the development of serious complications. Proteinuria in itself is not dangerous, since it is not a disease, but just one of the symptoms indicating the presence of pathology. It is imperative to find out the cause of the increase in protein in order to identify the disease in time and begin its treatment immediately.
During pregnancy, the amount of protein should also be within normal limits, but in later stages it can be increased. A high level of proteinuria implies hospitalization of the woman, as there is a threat to the fetus.
“Preeclampsia is a complication of a normal pregnancy, which may not manifest itself or may be manifested by edema, increased blood pressure, loss of protein in the urine, convulsions (eclampsia).” - Wikipedia.
There is a high probability that such a situation will lead to gestosis, which poses a danger to both the expectant mother and the fetus. It manifests itself in the following:
- For woman:
- convulsions;
- hemorrhage;
- insufficient blood circulation.
- For the fetus:
- oxygen starvation;
- developmental delay;
- acquisition of pathologies.
If increased protein is detected in the urine, it is necessary to either re-take the test or start looking for the cause of proteinuria in order to avoid the development of pathology. In any case, you should not ignore the presence of protein in the urine.
Methods for Reducing Protein Levels
Before you get rid of protein in your urine, you need to find out the reason for its appearance. Until the main source of proteinuria is eliminated, it is possible to reduce the amount of protein, but there is a possibility of its increase. Only after complete treatment will the result of a urine test be normal. Experts offer many methods that help reduce protein levels in combination with treatment of the underlying disease. If the norm is slightly exceeded, the patient is recommended to follow a special diet. They involve an increase in protein foods in the diet and a significant reduction in salt. Such measures will make up for the lack of protein in the body, which is excreted in the urine. Limiting salt to 2 g per day will help both reduce protein in the urine and prevent edema.
The need for drug treatment should only be determined by a specialist, as well as the dosage and course of taking the drug. Drugs such as corticosteroids, cytostatics, and antiplatelet agents can reduce protein levels. In some cases, with increased protein in the urine, antibiotic therapy is used to prevent the development of infection.
Some drugs can reduce proteinuria. Most often, to get rid of high levels of protein in the urine, decoctions and infusions of various herbs, as well as fruit drinks from berries, are recommended. The most popular are lingonberries (both berries and leaves), cranberries, and parsley. They have diuretic and antiseptic effects, which increases the likelihood of reducing protein levels in the urine, as well as relieving the inflammatory process.
An unsatisfactory test result indicates the need to identify the cause of the disease. It is useless to treat the symptom, since as the disease progresses it will constantly return. Timely diagnosis and getting rid of the cause of health problems will prevent serious complications that can arise from elevated levels of protein in a person’s urine.
Protein in urine is present in the body of any person. Normally, this figure should not exceed 0.033 g/l. An increase in this rate indicates development. To eliminate this factor, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
Etiology
The cause of protein in the urine in large quantities may be the following:
- poor nutrition;
- frequent, nervous tension;
- pregnancy;
- gastroenterological pathologies;
- kidney pathologies that develop against the background of existing ailments;
- toxic poisoning;
- high protein diet;
- hypothermia;
- long-term use of medications;
- diseases of the genitourinary system.
Clinicians note that most often increased protein in the urine of a child or adult is observed during pathological processes in the kidneys. In this case, the following etiological factors should be highlighted:
- kidney carcinoma;
- lipoid nephrosis.
In addition, immune disorders and age-related changes in the body can be provoking factors. Increased protein in the urine during pregnancy may indicate either the development of a certain pathological process or simply poor nutrition. In general, the following etiological reasons for increased protein in the urine during pregnancy can be identified:
- food with increased amounts of protein;
- pyelonephritis during pregnancy;
- development .
It should be said that increased protein in the urine of a pregnant woman is observed quite often, since in this state there is an increased load on the woman’s body. In most cases, the protein in the urine returns to normal after childbirth. The allowed protein level in urine during pregnancy is 0.002/l.
Symptoms
If the protein in the urine is slightly increased or the disorder is short-lived, there are usually no additional symptoms. If the presence of protein in the urine is a symptom of a certain pathological process, the following signs of the clinical picture may be observed:
- , increased fatigue;
- , often with urges to;
- change in the color of urine - with an increased amount of protein it becomes red, with low levels it becomes almost white;
- chills, fever;
- the appearance of edema;
- deterioration or complete .
Increased protein in the urine of a child may have the following additional clinical signs:
- moodiness, crying for no apparent reason;
- sudden change of mood or complete;
- almost complete refusal of food.
It should be noted that such a clinical picture does not always indicate increased levels of protein in the body. The above-described signs may be symptoms of another pathological process, so you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
Diagnostics
What does an increased or decreased level of protein in the urine mean, only a doctor can tell after an examination and an accurate diagnosis. First of all, the doctor conducts a detailed physical examination, taking into account the medical history. During this stage of the examination, it is necessary to find out how the patient eats, whether he has taken any medications recently and whether he has any chronic diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis and clarify the etiology of this pathological process, the following laboratory and instrumental examinations are carried out:
- general and daily urine analysis;
- general and biochemical blood test;
- , pelvis, heart;
- immunological studies.
Additional diagnostic methods will depend on the clinical presentation, the general condition of the patient and the suspected etiology.
Separately, the stage of collecting urine for research should be highlighted. In this case, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Only a sterile container should be used to collect liquid;
- Before taking the analysis, you should carefully carry out all hygiene procedures for the perineal area. You cannot use herbal infusions or antiseptics.
Incorrectly collected tests can cause an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment
If test results confirm increased protein in the urine, treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. Unauthorized use of drugs can stabilize the indicators, but this does not guarantee that the underlying factor has been eliminated.
If traces of protein in the urine during pregnancy are due to poor nutrition, then the doctor should prescribe a diet. Taking medications, even in the presence of an illness, is kept to a minimum, as this can harm an adult or child.
If this symptom is provoked by an infectious or inflammatory process, antibiotic therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
In general, treatment for such disorders in the body is purely individual, since this is not a separate disease, but a symptom of certain changes in the body.
Prevention
There are no specific methods of prevention, since this is not a separate disease. In general, you should adhere to the general rules for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, treat all ailments in a timely and correct manner and not self-medicate. Unauthorized use of medications can cause the development of serious complications and a blurred clinical picture, which will lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
Proteinuria is a condition in which protein is present in the urine. The phenomenon refers to the symptoms of a wide range of diseases. It is impossible to detect such an impurity in urine at home. To remove the compound from urine, it is necessary to act on the underlying pathology. The localization of the lesion can only be determined using laboratory, hardware and instrumental diagnostic methods. Without undergoing an examination, it is impossible to determine the cause of the deterioration. In 99% of cases, treatment is indicated for patients with a protein compound in their urine.
Proteinuria indicates the development of a serious pathological process in the body. It can be destructive, infectious-inflammatory or tumor in origin. The physiological function of the kidneys is disrupted - filtration, excretory (excretory). Toxic substances that should normally be eliminated from the body through urination accumulate in the blood, causing harmful effects.
What is the norm
When the body is in good condition, the protein compound is not contained in the urine at all. But taking into account the patient’s possible intake of Aminoglycoside, Colistin or Acetazolamide, the acceptable concentration is considered to be up to 0.033 g/l per day. In pregnant women, this value is 0.14 g/l, as hormonal and other physiological changes occur in the body. Depending on the concentration of the protein compound in the urine, proteinuria is classified into 4 degrees.
Occurs:
- Microalbuminuria. Protein concentration – 30-300 mg/day
- Mild degree. The condition can be quickly corrected. Protein content varies from 300 mg to 1 g/day
- Average degree. The patient requires hospitalization. Protein concentration – 1-3 g/day
- Severe degree. The patient is being treated in the intensive care unit. The presence of protein compounds exceeds 3000 mg/day
To correctly determine protein levels, you need to correctly submit your urine for testing. Morning urine is suitable for analysis, which should be collected in a clean, dry container immediately after hygiene measures. To compare protein levels, the doctor may order an analysis of the daily volume of urine - in this case, it will have to be collected over a 24-hour period.
Symptoms
As proteinuria increases, the patient experiences the following symptoms:
- Twisting sensations in the joints of the arms and legs
- Increased blood pressure, difficult to correct
- Swelling in the arms, legs, face, and in severe pathologies, fluid accumulates inside the abdominal cavity
- Pale skin, dizziness, feeling of general weakness
- Cramps mainly at night
- Lack of appetite
- Chills, nausea
- Increased fatigue
- Unpleasant sensations in the lumbosacral back
Depending on the underlying cause that caused the urine to become saturated with protein, the patient may have an increase in body temperature. Additional symptoms are disturbances in sleep and brain activity, changes in the shade of urine - it becomes cloudy, containing characteristic flakes.
Causes
Factors that cause proteinuria are previous poisonings, burns, progressive or recently resolved infectious and inflammatory processes in the body. Other reasons are allergies, hypothermia, exposure to stress, and a genetic predisposition to the development of diseases that cause urine to become saturated with protein. The phenomenon also occurs due to taking certain medications and compression of the kidneys by the growing uterus (during pregnancy). Rarely, saturation of urine with protein is a consequence of poor nutrition: if it is dominated by the consumption of raw eggs and dairy products.
Polycystic kidney disease
Multiple cysts inside a paired organ are a consequence of genetic predisposition, previous lower back injuries, and the negative influence of endogenous and exogenous factors. The patient’s health condition does not bother him for a long time. He learns about polycystic disease during an examination for another reason or when tumors are suppurating. Proteinuria is a consequence of inflammation of cysts, which is dangerous due to organ abscess. If the neoplasms fester (for example, when bacteria transfer to the parenchyma from another pathogenic focus), in addition to the saturation of urine with a protein compound:
- Body temperature rises significantly
- There is severe pain in the lower back
- Blood pressure levels decrease, which causes weakness, dizziness, and loss of appetite
- Increased sweat production
When cysts suppurate, the patient is indicated for surgical treatment, followed by antibiotic therapy.
Pyelonephritis
Damage to the renal pelvis, which occurs due to exposure to pathogenic microflora, often bacteria. Men and women are equally susceptible to the disease. The reasons for the development of pathology are hypothermia, the transfer of pathogens from neighboring foci of inflammation, and the use of potent medications.
Symptoms of pyelonephritis:
- Lower back pain
- Increased body temperature
- Weakness, lack of appetite, dizziness
- Increased urge to urinate
- Reduced blood pressure levels
- Pallor, sleep disturbance
When the patient voices the listed complaints, he is examined and prescribed a diagnostic test. It is on the basis of the results of the study that the presence of a high volume of protein is determined, which serves as an indication for immediate hospitalization. Treatment is antibiotic therapy, administration of vitamins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones. Also, for pyelonephritis, nutritional correction is indicated: exclusion of salty, spicy, sour, and alcoholic foods.
Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys is a consequence of exposure to conditions of high air humidity, genetic predisposition, and poisoning.
Signs of glomerulonephritis:
- Pain in the lower back when urinating, changing body position, or performing even a small amount of physical activity
- Light pink coloration of urine
- Increased body temperature
- Weakness, lethargy, dizziness, lack of appetite and other signs associated with intoxication of the body
The presence of protein in urine is an indicator of the progression of a severe inflammatory process inside the kidneys.
Glomerulonephritis is eliminated through antibiotic therapy, the use of hemostatic drugs, hormones, and vitamins. The disease also requires adherence to a diet, reduced consumption of salt and water. Glomerulonephritis is dangerous due to renal failure, in which the only treatment option is hemodialysis, and then organ transplantation.
Amyloidosis and renal tuberculosis
Amyloidosis is a pathological condition in which toxic compounds – amyloids – accumulate in the body. The exact reasons for the development of the disease have not been established, but according to the observations of doctors, the main factor is hereditary predisposition. Those at risk for pathology include malignant tumors and autoimmune processes (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis).
Symptoms of amyloidosis:
- Frequent urination
- Decreased sensation in the arms and legs
- Reduced blood pressure readings
- Swelling of the arms and legs
- Pale pink hue of urine
- Weight gain (including due to edema)
- Shortness of breath, chest pain
- Dizziness
In severe forms of amyloidosis, total intoxication of the body occurs, accumulation of large amounts of fluid inside the tissues. Kidney tuberculosis is a pathological process in which the structure of the organ is destroyed. The cause of the development of pathology is infection with mycobacteria entering the blood through the hematogenous route.
The main manifestations of renal tuberculosis are dull pain in the lower back, an increase in body temperature to low levels, the presence of blood in the urine, and discomfort when urinating. Protein in urine is not the only symptom detected during analysis in patients with the disease in question. In tuberculosis, urine additionally contains mycobacteria and red blood cells.
Hypertonic disease
A pathological condition in which the patient’s blood pressure often increases, which is facilitated by:
- Hereditary predisposition
- Abuse of alcohol, junk food, chaotic medication use
- Constant exposure to stress
- Frequent exposure to high temperatures
- Presence of obesity of 2 or more degrees
Hypertension is dangerous because of a crisis - a condition in which the level of blood pressure reaches unacceptably high limits. This leads to the development of a stroke. Protein in urine with hypertension indicates problems with blood clotting - the risk of clots increases. Blood clots can block the lumen of veins and arteries, block blood flow to organs, cause hypoxia, or break off.
Diabetes
One of the most severe endocrine diseases. The cause of development is hereditary predisposition, stress, alcoholism. Main manifestations of the disease:
- Long-term healing of even small wounds
- Thirst
- Increased sweating
- Increased daily diuresis
Proteinuria in diabetes mellitus indicates a significant imbalance of hormones in the blood and confirms the presence of pancreatic dysfunction. To maintain insulin levels in the body at normal levels and avoid the development of coma, you need to visit an endocrinologist.
Preeclampsia in pregnant women
Consequence of stress factors, hereditary predisposition, age over 40 years, taking medications. The presence of proteinuria during gestation is a sign that the child’s growth and development may be impaired. The reason is insufficient blood flow to the fetus, intoxication with compounds that accumulate in the blood due to the failure of the kidneys to filter.
A woman’s blood pressure levels rise to critical levels, a severe headache occurs, and convulsions appear. If there is a massive loss of protein during urination, albumin transfusion is indicated for all pregnant women. This action relates to replacement therapy, reduces the likelihood of fetal death, placental abruption, and premature birth.
Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries
A serious disease of the cardiovascular system, in which the arteries supplying the paired organ with blood are clogged with fatty deposits. Atherosclerotic plaques form gradually, this is accompanied by poor nutrition, staying near foci of toxic effects, and the heredity factor. Proteinuria indicates impaired renal function, which leads to necrosis of organ tissue due to insufficient blood supply. In case of aggravated atherosclerosis of the renal arteries, organ-preserving surgery is performed.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder develops for several reasons, the main of which are:
- Hypothermia
- Introducing bacteria from other foci of inflammation (with vaginal candidiasis, colitis, pyelonephritis)
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules
- Recent medical and diagnostic procedures using non-sterile instruments
- Excessive activity during intimacy
- Allergy to latex condoms; intolerance to the fabric from which pads and tampons are made
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who does not maintain personal hygiene
- Suffered severe poisoning - food, drug or other type
In women, cystitis occurs more often than in men, which is associated with the anatomical features of the urinary canal. Proteinuria during inflammation of the bladder is a sign of extensive damage to the organ, an indicator of the risk of a possible transition of the pathological process to the kidneys. Symptoms of cystitis are pain and burning during urine discharge, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, spasms above the pubis, increased body temperature. Cystitis is eliminated with antibiotics, uroseptics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a heating pad to the suprapubic area, but provided there is no hematuria (when the urine is saturated with blood).
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra is a consequence of insufficient personal hygiene, hypothermia, wearing too tight underwear, allergies. Urethritis is manifested by proteinuria in a chronic course and a high probability of spread of the lesion to neighboring organs. Manifestations of the pathology are irritation during urination, a slight increase in body temperature, swelling of the urethra, redness of the tissues of the vulva. Treatment does not differ from the therapy used for the development of cystitis.
Prostatitis in men
Inflammation of the prostate gland is a consequence of factors such as hypothermia, physical inactivity, lack of constant sexual activity, and the presence of a sexually transmitted disease. Prostatitis also occurs with a genetic predisposition to the disease. Signs of prostate inflammation:
- Pain when urinating, pain inside the urethra
- Increased body temperature
- Urine discharge in a sluggish, intermittent stream
- Discomfort in the perineum when a man is in a sitting position
- The appearance of an unpleasant odor from urine, a change in color
- The need to tense the abdominal muscles to completely empty the bladder
Protein in urine in men suffering from prostatitis indicates extensive damage to organ tissue and the development of hormonal imbalance. If acute prostatitis is not eliminated in a timely manner, it becomes chronic. The disease can lead to the development of impotence and cause infertility. The inflammatory and infectious process of the prostate gland is treated with antibiotics, non-steroidal drugs, hormonal drugs, and vitamins. Additionally, prostate massage and a number of physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.
Inflammation of the ureters
The disease is promoted by hypothermia, the movement of pathogenic microflora from neighboring lesions, and prolonged inhibition of the urge to urinate. Also, inflammation of the ureters occurs due to poor personal hygiene, abuse of salty, sour and spicy foods.
The pathology is eliminated by using antibiotics, uroseptics (Furazolidone and its analogues), and multivitamin complexes. Additionally, adherence to a diet is indicated - refusal to eat salty, sour, spicy, smoked foods; exclusion of alcohol, fruit drinks, caffeine. Proteinuria during inflammation of the ureters is an indicator of the lack of proper treatment, a signal of the imminent transition of the pathological process to the kidneys and bladder.
Possible complications
Proteins perform a wide range of functions in the body:
- adjust hormone levels
- balance the degree of blood clotting
- protect the body from attacks by pathogens of all types
- support tissue structure, preventing the degeneration of cells from physiological to malignant
Complications associated with increased protein compounds in the blood include hormonal imbalance, reduced immunity and predisposition to diseases, including cancer. Depending on the underlying cause of proteinuria, the patient may experience a kidney abscess, failure of this organ; in pregnant women – premature birth, placental abruption. If urine is oversaturated with protein compounds, fetal death may occur - the kidneys cannot cope with the filtration function and toxins accumulate in the blood.
Which doctor should I contact?
Initially, if your health worsens, you should visit a therapist: he will prescribe a basic examination. Taking into account the diagnostic results, the underlying pathology is established. This is how the profile of the doctor is determined, who will subsequently prescribe, monitor and adjust therapy. If protein is detected in the urine of pregnant women, a treatment plan is drawn up by the observing gynecologist. Proteinuria caused by diabetes mellitus is treated by an endocrinologist. If protein saturates the urine due to inflammation of the urogenital tract, you will need to consult a urologist. If there is a relationship between increased protein in urine and hypertension, contact a cardiologist.
Diagnostics
To establish the root cause of urine saturation with protein, extensive diagnostics are prescribed. Basic methods:
- Clinical, biochemical blood test.
- Urinalysis - general, bacteriological, according to Zimnitsky, according to Nechiporenko.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder, ureters (depending on the organ whose usefulness the doctor has doubts about).
- MRI or CT. Complex radiation imaging methods provide information about the state of health when other types of diagnostics are less informative.
- X-ray examination (a general overview image allows you to assess the condition and location of the kidneys).
- Urethral smear to determine microflora.
- Urine examination for mycobacteria (if kidney tuberculosis is suspected).
Additional types of diagnostics depend on the characteristics of the clinical case. It is possible to prescribe a Doppler ultrasound, a blood test to determine its sugar level, and excretory urography.
Treatment
To eliminate protein from urine and stop the underlying disease that caused proteinuria, patients are prescribed:
- Corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone or Dexamethasone prevent the development of inflammation and restore renal activity. Hormonal drugs are administered taking into account the patient’s weight and age.
- Antibacterial drugs. A specific type of antibiotic is prescribed only taking into account the identified causative agent of the underlying pathology that caused proteinuria.
- Non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs). Drugs in this group relieve pain and eliminate the process of inflammation. General contraindications for the use of NSAIDs are the presence of gastritis, colitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers.
- Vitamins. Synthetic substitutes for biologically active substances help restore immunity and normalize blood circulation.
- Antihypertensive drugs. Allows you to normalize blood pressure, avoid the development of crisis and hemorrhagic stroke.
For kidney tuberculosis, medications are prescribed to prevent the organ tissue from shrinking. Copious bleeding during urination (for example, with glomerulonephritis) is an indication for the use of Dicinone, Calcium chloride, Sodium ethamsylate, Aminocaproic acid. In case of hypertensive crisis, the patient is prescribed the administration of Dibazol, Papaverine, Magnesium sulfate. These drugs help quickly normalize blood pressure levels.
Prevention
To prevent the development of diseases that are characterized by saturation of urine with protein, it is necessary:
- Avoid hypothermia.
- During sports or professional activities, protect the body from possible injuries.
- Keep your distance from sources of toxic or radiation radiation.
- Do not use medications without a doctor's prescription.
- Control your diet and avoid the presence of unnatural products in it.
- Carry out hygiene measures carefully and regularly.
- Stop drinking alcohol and other bad habits.
Protein in the urine is a signal of a serious disorder in the body. It is possible that it has a hidden form, but this does not make the degree of negative impact on health less. To get rid of proteinuria, the underlying condition that caused this symptom is eliminated. Depending on the identified disease, the use of antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and hormones is prescribed.
A slight increase in protein in the urine is acceptable during pregnancy. But, given the frequent development of preeclampsia in pregnant women, women with proteinuria are under increased control by gynecologists.
Video: Decoding urine test
The kidney is a paired organ that, by producing and excreting urine, regulates the chemical homeostasis of the body. The main function is carried out through filtration and secretion of blood plasma.
Protein in the urine appears as a result of increased permeability of the glomerular capillaries or impaired reabsorption.
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From the capillary glomeruli, blood is filtered into the capsule, and primary urine is formed. Moving further along the nephron tubules, under the action of enzymes, nutrients are broken down and reabsorbed into the blood - secondary urine is formed. It contains metabolic products of complex protein molecules.
When protein is detected in the urine, this means that the filtration capacity of the kidney tubules is impaired. Sometimes this happens with healthy kidneys and is associated with the natural physiological functioning of the body, which determines why protein appears in the urine.
Footprints
If a healthy person has traces of protein in their urine, this is normal. A slight increase does not cause clinical manifestations.
The minimum amount of residual protein is determined for each person. An increase in the level is a signal for examination and additional tests.
Proteinuria
The condition when the levels are elevated is called proteinuria. It can be physiological and pathological. In the first case, the predisposing factors are:
- physical overload;
- hypothermia;
- injuries, burns;
- taking antibiotics;
- nervous disorders;
- excess protein products on the menu.
The physiological form does not require treatment and goes away on its own after eliminating the cause.
Types of pathological proteinuria
Pathological has several forms, which means a certain amount of protein in the urine:
- Light stage - from 300 mg to 1 g per day.
- With a moderate degree, 1–3 g are detected.
- Severe or severe form, characterized by a concentration of more than 3 g.
Acceptable rate
If the qualitative reaction showed the presence of protein, its quantitative value is determined. Protein is designated in a urine test as grams per liter (g/l) or grams, milligrams per day (g/mg/day). Each laboratory uses different reagents. The pyrogallol method determines the normal limit: protein in the urine is 0.1 g/l. An analysis using 3% sulfosalicylic acid considers the norm for protein in the urine to be up to 0.03 g/l.
In general analysis
The physical and chemical properties of urine are assessed, the result suggests what the protein in the urine indicates. Indications for testing are as follows:
- preventive examinations;
- suspicion of squirrel;
- urinary tract diseases;
- control of indicators during treatment.
Determination of protein in urine is important in differential diagnosis, since the number of diseases with a similar sign is quite large.
With daily monitoring
If an excess is observed in the general analysis, it is necessary to determine the daily protein in the urine; its norm is from 30 to 50 mg per day.
Urine analysis for protein is collected throughout the day, starting with the second portion and ending with the first portion the next day. From the total volume, 150 ml of the resulting amount is poured into a special container and delivered to the laboratory no later than 2 hours later. The accompanying document must indicate the daily volume.
Total protein in urine is determined during annual examinations. This is especially important for patients with a family history, people over 50 years old, and those with bad habits.
High protein levels are a sign of impaired filtration or reabsorption by the kidneys. Proteinuria can be transient, associated with general diseases, or permanent, due to renal pathology. Violation of the filtration barrier leads to loss of albumin; with a decrease in the reabsorption function, globulins are lost. Increased protein in the urine can be caused by the following diseases and conditions:
- glomerulonephritis;
- nephrotic syndrome;
- amyloidosis;
- acute renal necrosis
- acute interstitial nephritis;
- diabetes;
- malignant hypertension;
- Fanconi syndrome.
Protein in the urine of more than 0.3 g per day is due to the destruction of kidney cell elements during prolonged stagnation. Increased protein in the urine has other causes. An increase in the number of protein cells capable of filtration is a consequence of polycystic disease, multiple myeloma, and myoglobinuria.
For males, the protein norm is 0.03 g/l; in the average daily portion, 0.1 g is acceptable. An increase in values to 1 g/l indicates a mild stage of proteinuria and may be associated with the following physiological factors:
- heavy work or sports activities;
- hypothermia;
- eating protein foods;
- alcohol;
- emotional disorders and stress;
- using steroids.
Incorrect sampling of biomaterial can change the indicators.
Protein in urine is 0.2 g, which can occur during exercise and stress. An increase in protein in women is a consequence of the following reasons:
- food high in protein;
- hard work, long periods of standing in an upright position;
- dehydration, hypothermia;
- obesity.
Excess protein can cause the following conditions:
- general diseases;
- pathologies of the structure of the renal system;
- inflammation of the genitourinary organs;
- intoxication.
The appearance of protein in the urine is associated with hormonal changes at different stages of a woman’s life: puberty, reproductive, menopause.
The volume of circulating blood in pregnant women increases, and the load on the kidneys increases. Therefore, a urine protein test, ideally negative, is informative and important. Normal indicators, without any manifestations, are:
Sometimes deviations occur due to overwork, stress or fever. The culprit may be poor hygiene or violation of the test collection procedure. If a pregnant woman has a lot of protein in her urine, this indicates serious problems:
- pyelonephritis;
- nephropathy;
- cystitis;
- glomerulonephritis.
Protein in urine is dangerous at levels of 1.7 g/l.
In babies under 1 month of age, proteinuria is considered normal. In infants, 0.03–0.06 g of protein per day is acceptable. Some factors can cause an increase of up to 1 g/l in the following categories of children:
- Active movements of infants lead to the consumption of strength and energy. Early complementary feeding, simultaneous introduction of minced meat and cottage cheese.
- Sick and recovered children due to taking a large number of medications.
- Excessive activity in boys during puberty.
An increase is possible due to insufficient treatment of the child’s genitals before collecting urine and “dirty” dishes.
Why is it dangerous?
High protein, while a symptom, does not pose a danger in itself. However, it signals serious disorders in the body, usually associated with the kidneys, which do not always manifest themselves as painful symptoms. These are diseases such as:
- glomerulonephritis;
- nephrotic syndrome;
- polycystic kidney disease;
- nephritis;
- acute renal necrosis;
- kidney cancer
Diabetes mellitus and malignant hypertension are also manifested by deviation of protein in urine from reference values.
At high rates, self-medication is unacceptable. Complications can be prevented if you consult a doctor in time.
What to do?
Proteinuria is confirmed after receiving several tests with a positive result. If there is increased protein in the urine, sometimes you do not need to do anything; it is enough to repeat the test in compliance with all the rules to get a negative result. If physiological disorders cause protein to appear in the urine, treatment is not carried out.
It is necessary to analyze your daily routine, change your diet, and reduce physical activity. If you experience frequent emotional distress and stress, your doctor may recommend mild sedatives.
Is treatment required?
For inflammatory and pathological conditions, proteinuria is only a symptom. To normalize the indicators, it is necessary to find the cause. Additional tests and instrumental diagnostics are required:
- Antibiotics are used to treat kidneys of bacterial origin.
- In case of gestosis, inpatient treatment is carried out to restore kidney function. The therapy is as gentle as possible, aimed at preserving the life of the mother and child.
- Diabetes mellitus, along with medications, requires adherence to a diet.
- Hypertension requires constant blood pressure monitoring.
Test strips for home
Visually determining what protein looks like in the urine is possible with long-term proteinuria. Turbidity and the appearance of sediment means the presence of protein and.
To quickly determine the components of urine and monitor indicators in case of illness, a strip test is used. The express method is used at home and in medical institutions to adjust the course of treatment. Indicator test strips for protein in urine react at albumin concentrations ranging from 0.1 g/l.
What does Bence Jones protein mean?
The growth of malignant tumors is accompanied by the content of low molecular weight protein in the patient’s urine, which consists of light immunoglobulins. It is produced by plasma cells. It moves through the bloodstream, is not absorbed in the kidneys, but is excreted through urination.
A urine test for Bence Jones protein is a marker of cancer (it is absent in a healthy person). As a result of laboratory chemical reactions, the resulting precipitate is confirmation, for example, of myeloma.
Conclusion
- Isolated proteinuria occurs without renal dysfunction as a result of physiological causes or other diseases (accompanied by fever, heart failure).
- More often, the appearance of protein in the urine indicates the presence of a pathological process in the body. This changes the functioning of the filtration system, which allows albumin to pass into the urine.
- A decrease in the kidneys' ability to reabsorb leads to loss of globulins.
- Some diseases lead to the growth of atypical cells that can overcome the filtration barrier.
In contact with
Testing urine for the presence of protein is an analysis that can be used to diagnose a specific kidney disease. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will be able to identify the disease and draw up an effective treatment plan. The procedure requires special training, which prohibits taking certain medications and products, because they may affect the protein content in the urine.
What are traces of protein in urine?
The protein molecule is very large, so it cannot leave through the renal corpuscles. In a healthy person, the urine does not contain this substance. After taking the test, the doctor notifies the patient about the presence of protein in the urine. What does this mean? This process is called proteinuria. This is a very alarming symptom, indicating the presence of serious kidney pathology. If traces of protein are detected in the urine, immediate additional diagnostics are required.
Physiological limits of normal
In healthy men and women, its concentration reaches 0.14 g/l. If this value is exceeded to 0.33 g/l, then it can be argued that there is a disease in the body, the symptom of which is proteinuria. It can occur in three stages: mild, moderate and severe. In a child, the protein norm reaches 0.036 g/l. When it increases to 1 g/l, moderate proteinuria occurs. During pregnancy, the norm of protein molecules is 0.03 g/l. An increased rate is a sign of problems in the genitourinary system and kidney disease.
How is urine analysis performed?
The biomaterial is delivered in the morning. This diagnosis is called a screening study. A false positive result is achieved when urine is collected incorrectly or due to insufficient hygiene before collecting the material. If the amount of protein in urine exceeds the norm, another study is prescribed, which involves daily collection. Thanks to this examination, it is possible to establish the degree of proteinuria and identify specific proteins using the electrophoresis method.
To accurately establish a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a number of additional studies to obtain more accurate information. If proteins and leukocytes were detected during the diagnosis, this is a symptom of an inflammatory process. If protein and red blood cells are detected, it is likely that the doctor will make a diagnosis of damage to the urinary system or passage of a stone.
Why does the level of protein in urine increase?
The reasons for the formation of protein in the urine can be very diverse. Often this specific disease or in general such a process is transient (transient) in nature. If temporary proteinuria occurs, it is a clear symptom of fever or dehydration. It can also be caused by frequent stressful situations, burns or hypothermia. In men, increased protein content may be associated with significant physical activity. Experts identify the following causes of proteinuria:
- glomerulonephritis or lupus nephritis;
- myeloma pathology (urine contains a specific protein M-protein);
- arterial hypertension that has existed for a long time;
- diabetes mellitus (urine contains albumin);
- renal processes of an infectious or inflammatory nature;
- malignant kidney tumors;
- chemotherapy;
- mechanical kidney injuries;
- poisoning by toxins;
- prolonged exposure to the cold;
- burns.
Symptoms of proteinuria
A temporary increase in the level of proteins in urine does not give any clinical picture and very often occurs without symptoms. Pathological proteinuria is a manifestation of the disease that contributed to the formation of protein molecules in the urine. With a prolonged course of this condition, patients, regardless of their age (children and adolescents, women, men), have the following symptoms:
- painful sensations in the bones (a common manifestation of multiple myeloma, which is characterized by significant protein loss);
- with proteinuria, anemia is accompanied by fatigue, which becomes chronic;
- dizziness and drowsiness;
- poor appetite, feeling of nausea, vomiting.
Treatment for high protein levels in urine
When urine contains a high concentration of protein, this can cause a decrease in its level in the blood. This process contributes to a rise in blood pressure and the occurrence of edema. Here it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor to prescribe effective therapy. The treatment regimen is drawn up taking into account the main diagnosis and includes the following groups of drugs:
- antibacterial;
- cytostatics;
- decongestants;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- reducing blood clotting;
- hypotensive.
Therapeutic methods may also include extracorporate methods of blood purification - plasmapheresis and hemosorption. An important role in the treatment of proteinuria is played by proper nutrition. Often protein increases due to eating too salty, fatty, spicy foods. The diet must include the following conditions:
- Limit salt intake to 2 g per day.
- Monitor the volume of urine excreted relative to the fluid consumed. You are allowed to drink no more than 1 liter per day. For these purposes, it is better to use a decoction of rose hips, fruit juice with black currants.
- Reduce intake of fish and meat for a period of 2 months.
- Include milk, beets, fruits, vegetables, raisins, and rice in your diet.
- An anti-inflammatory decoction has a good effect. To prepare it, you need to mix black poplar buds, initial grass and tricolor violet in a 1:1 ratio. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for half an hour and use throughout the day. The course of therapy is 3 weeks.
Disease prevention
It is very important to prevent proteinuria from becoming chronic. To do this, you need to follow certain rules of prevention and monitor your well-being all the time. If you suddenly notice any changes related to the quantity and quality of urine, immediately go to the doctor. It is important to understand the root cause of proteinuria in order to eliminate it in time and prevent the development of a more severe disease.
Very often the cause of increased protein is hypertension, as well as diabetes. If we are talking about high blood pressure, you need to constantly monitor your blood pressure, take medications, and reduce your intake of sugar, protein and salt. If a high protein concentration is associated with diabetes, in addition to special medications, the doctor will prescribe a diet for the patient. If the diagnosis of pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, congenital kidney anomalies or other systemic diseases is confirmed, it is necessary to constantly monitor the nephrologist.
Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.
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Protein in urine what does it mean
