The kidneys filter blood in small, narrow-channeled blood vessels called glomeruli. This involves the reabsorption of protein that stays in your blood, as well as the transfer of waste products into the urine. When your kidneys become damaged or diseased, they can’t filter and remove waste as well as they used to. This can result in a condition known as proteinuria.
The first step is a simple urinalysis, which tests the amount of protein in your urine. Your doctor will ask you to urinate into a cup, and a lab technician will dip a stick in the liquid. If the stick changes color, it indicates too much protein in your pee. You may need to repeat the test a few times.
In healthy kidneys, there should be little or no protein in the urine. However, this is not always the case. There are a few conditions that can cause this, including dehydration, pregnancy and taking certain medications.
Some people get more protein in their urine while standing than while lying down, a condition called orthostatic proteinuria. This is a warning sign that something is wrong with your kidneys and requires medical treatment.
Your doctor will likely recommend regular urine tests to detect proteinuria and other kidney problems. They will also order a blood test to check for kidney damage.
They might also use imaging tools to see what is going on with your kidneys, such as a CT scan or ultrasound. They may also suggest a kidney biopsy, which involves taking a sample of your kidney for testing.
The symptoms of proteinuria depend on the cause, but they can include foamy or frothy urine, swelling in your face or abdomen, or new rashes. They might also include nausea or vomiting.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. They could be a sign that your kidneys aren’t working as they should, or that you have a more serious problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.
Most people who have low-level proteinuria don’t experience any signs or symptoms, which makes it hard to diagnose. That’s why it’s important to test your urine regularly, especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
This is especially important if you have a family history of kidney problems or if you’re African American, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander or if you are over age 50 and have a chronic illness. These types of people are at risk for developing a kidney problem because they are prone to inflammation of the kidneys.
They should be referred to a doctor who specializes in kidney issues, known as a nephrologist. They can help you manage the symptoms and prevent further damage to your kidneys.
Your doctor will probably start treatment for your proteinuria as soon as possible. Your doctor might prescribe medication to help control your high blood pressure or diabetes, and they may suggest changes in your diet or exercise to help improve your kidney function. The goal is to stop or reduce the amount of protein in your urine so that you can prevent permanent kidney damage from occurring.
