Protein in Urine

Protein plays a significant role in the construction of the body. Your body needs protein to fight diseases, regulate fluid balance, and develop muscles and bones. However, occasionally, the presence of high protein in urine can indicate either a kidney problem or another illness. When our kidneys aren't functioning properly, protein might pass through the filters and into our urine. The term for this condition is Proteinuria or albuminuria. The presence of protein in urine indicates that our kidneys are in bad shape.

What does protein in the urine mean?

Proteinuria, also known as protein leakage in urine, is a condition characterized by an excessive amount of bloodborne proteins in the urine. Protein is one of the components examined in a lab test to analyze urine. This medical condition often indicates kidney disease. Our kidneys serve as filters that normally prevent most proteins from passing through. However, proteins like albumin can escape from the blood into the urine when the kidneys are affected by disease. These proteins that end up in the urine are eventually eliminated from the body, which can have detrimental effects on overall health. Proteinuria can also occur when the body produces an excessive amount of protein.

Is the protein in urine serious?

The presence of protein in urine indicates an extremely serious problem. Proteinuria is associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular and cardiac diseases. In some cases, proteinuria serves as a warning sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is also possible to have CKD and still have normal protein in the urine. As kidney function gradually declines due to CKD, dialysis, kidney transplantation, or both may be necessary in the future. The kidneys can also experience complications from diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).

What causes protein in the urine?

Healthy kidneys convert waste and excess fluid from the blood into urine. Proteins and other essential elements are not excreted by healthy kidneys; instead, they pass through and return to the bloodstream. However, damaged kidneys may allow this protein to flow into the urine.  

The following are the common proteinuria causes: 

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Certain immunological conditions
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Pregnancy
• Family history of kidney disease
• Plasma cell cancer 
• Trauma

A short-term high quantity of protein in urine causes may be a sign of several health issues, such as:

• Dehydration 
• High stress
• Fever
• Experiencing extreme cold
• Kidney Stone
• Physical exercise at a high intensity
• Urinary tract infection

Why do I need protein in a urine test?

The presence of increased quantities of protein in the urine over time may be the first indication that kidney disease or another condition has caused damage to the kidneys. A urine protein test can assist in detecting kidney disease early on so that precautions can be taken to safeguard your kidneys. As part of a routine examination or if a patient exhibits indications of kidney damage, a doctor may prescribe a protein in urine test.

What are the symptoms of protein in the urine?

There won't be any symptoms of protein in urine if the kidneys are only mildly damaged and if the urine only contains small quantities of protein. When the kidneys are more severely damaged and there is a lot of protein in the urine, the following signs of proteinuria may appear:

• Urine with foam or bubbles
• Lack of appetite
• Breathing difficulty
• Swelling in the face, belly, feet, or hands
• Feeling queasy or vomiting
• Nighttime muscle spasms
• Increased frequency of urination

What level of proteinuria is concerning?

Less than 150 mg of protein per day is a urine protein normal range mg dL. Proteinuria level is defined as having more than 150 mg of protein per day in the urine. Depending on the laboratory's conditions, the upper limit of normal protein level in urine might vary slightly. Proteinuria in the nephrotic range is defined as having 3 to 3.5 grams of protein in the urine. Nephrotic syndrome, a relatively uncommon illness, causes an excessive amount of protein to be released from the kidneys into the urine.

Protein in urine risk factors

The following factors might increase your risk of passing protein in your urine:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Being older than 65
• Diabetes
• A family history of kidney disease

Some people pass more protein in their urine when they are standing compared to when they are lying down. This condition is medically known as orthostatic proteinuria.

How is a protein in urine diagnosed?

To assist in the diagnosis of proteinuria, the doctor will perform a dipstick test. During this test, an individual will be required to urinate into a special container provided by the doctor. Next, the doctor will insert a tiny plastic dipstick coated with specialized chemicals into the container. The colour of the dipstick changes if they trace protein in the urine. The remaining urine will be further tested by the medical professional using a urinalysis. A urinalysis examines the visual, chemical, and microscopic components of urine under a microscope. The doctor looks for substances that should not be present in the urine, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, or protein crystals that have the potential to form kidney stones.

Treatment for protein in the urine

The cause of protein in urine determines the appropriate proteinuria treatment. Different remedies are required for each cause.

• If the patient has diabetes, the doctor will work with them to develop a treatment strategy for protein loss in urine treatment and prevent kidney damage. Additionally, yearly blood tests for Glomerular filtration rate (measures how much blood your kidneys filter each minute) should be performed.
• If the patient has high blood pressure, the doctor may prescribe medication to control blood pressure and delay kidney damage.
• Even if the patient does not have diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension), the doctor may still recommend an antihypertensive drug to delay renal damage.
• Pregnant patients with a history of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) should schedule routine appointments with their doctor. While preeclampsia is a dangerous condition, it usually resolves a few days to a few weeks after delivery.
• For patients with minor or transient proteinuria, medication may not be necessary.

What happens when kidney disease or another condition is suspected?

When kidney disease is suspected, a thorough diagnostic process is essential for accurate assessment and early intervention:

• Repeat Urine Testing: If proteins are detected in urine samples over three months, it suggests a chronic kidney condition, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
• Creatinine Clearance Test: This evaluates creatinine levels in both urine and blood. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine, but impaired kidneys retain it in the blood.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test: It measures kidney function by considering factors like age, size, sex, and race, using creatinine and albumin levels in the blood. GFR guides treatment planning.
• Comprehensive Serum Protein Blood Tests: Assess proteins in the blood to gain a holistic view of kidney health.
• Imaging Studies: Techniques like CT scans and ultrasounds help identify kidney issues like stones, tumors, or urinary tract blockages.
• Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP): This lab test distinguishes specific urine proteins using electrical currents.
• Immunofixation Blood Test (IFE): A blood test examines specific proteins, aiding in diagnosis.
• Kidney Biopsy: A tiny kidney sample is analyzed under a microscope to identify the disease's cause and extent of damage.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Get in touch with your doctor if you:

• urinate more often than usual or experience pain while urinating
• experience vomiting or nausea
• notice frothy or foamy urine
• feel weak, lightheaded, or dizzy
• have swelling or puffiness in your face, abdomen, or lower body
• do not show any improvement in the symptoms after treatment

How can I prevent proteinuria?

There is no way to prevent proteinuria, but it is manageable. Proteinuria can be managed by taking medication, improving lifestyle, and using home remedies for protein in the urine. Taking care of the underlying issue will help stop protein loss in the urine.

Some strategies for managing proteinuria include:

• Reducing protein intake
• Increasing fiber in the diet
• Consuming less salt to help reduce blood pressure
• Regular exercise or physical activity
• Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly

Conclusion

Some people with proteinuria may not require treatment, as it can sometimes be transient. The presence of trace protein in urine indicates proteinuria, which often suggests a kidney problem related to blood filtration. The objective of treatment is to address any underlying issues a person may have. If necessary, a doctor can develop a plan of action to protect the kidneys and alleviate any associated symptoms.

FAQs

1. How much protein in urine is normal? 

It's generally not a problem if your urine test results show 30 milligrams per gram (mg/g) of protein or less, as this is considered within the normal range for urine protein.

2. How can I naturally control protein in my urine? 

If someone is experiencing symptoms of proteinuria, their diet should contain 15-20% protein. Increasing the intake of fiber and fresh vegetables is recommended. It is advised to consume up to 55 grams of fiber daily.

3. Which foods are best for reducing protein in urine? 

Fresh vegetables and fiber support healthy bowel habits and may provide protection against certain types of cancer. Additionally, they can help reduce protein in urine.