Protein In Urine - Causes And Symptoms Of Increased Protein In Urine, Treatment And Prevention

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Protein in urine

Proteins are involved in all cellular processes, due to which cellular structures are partly formed. These are high molecular weight structures that are part of enzymes called enzymes, with the help of which all biological and chemical processes in the body of every person function better.

For any disease, urine analysis is performed, the protein content is found out, the level of which indicates signs of pathology. Protein can be present in small amounts in the urine of perfectly healthy people. The normal, acceptable amount of protein in morning urine should be 0.033 g / L.

Causes of increased protein in urine

Urine should not contain protein. In healthy people, an increase in protein is caused by intense physical activity, hypothermia, and nervous tension. Those who have suffered colds and infectious diseases, various types of allergies, one hundred percent fall into the category of patients with high levels of protein in the urine. Immediately after birth, babies also have a slight increase in protein.

Proteinuria is a term for high levels of protein in the urine. It can be a consequence of diseases of the kidneys and organs that form, accumulate and excrete urine. A small concentration of protein is observed after a meal, such as raw eggs, raw milk, and other protein-rich foods. In pregnant women, protein enters the urine as a result of mechanical compression of the kidneys, the enlarging uterus.

His constant presence should cause concern, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the woman. The kidney filter does not allow proteins that have large molecules to pass through; if the glomeruli (filters) or tubules of the kidneys are damaged, the protein can still get into the urine.

Protein in the urine is often caused by infections and tumors in the kidneys and urinary tract, concussions, and epilepsy. Allocate physiological albuminuria, which occurs during various non-pathological changes in the body.

There is work proteinuria after strenuous exercise and alimentary proteinuria caused by excessive protein intake. Postural is caused by prolonged position of the body in an upright position.

Emotional proteinuria occurs from stress, after palpation of the kidneys during a medical examination - palpation. As a result of pathological processes, pathological albuminuria develops.

Proteinuria can be:

• light - 1 g / day. (suspected urolithiasis, interstitial nephritis);
• moderate - from 1 to 3 g / day. (suspected glomerular nephritis);
• severe - 3 g / day. (suspected glomerular nephritis, nephrosis, amyloidosis).

Symptoms of increased protein in urine

Increased protein in the urine is a symptom of urological diseases. As a rule, the appearance of a small amount of protein is not accompanied by pronounced manifestations, but in some cases, symptoms of an increase in protein are expressed by bone pain (myeloma), rapid fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness. A change in the composition of urine is indicated by its color, its whitish shade is a sign of the presence of albumin.

In nephropathy, protein builds up in the fingers and toes. Chills and fever are usually a sign of inflammation and high protein.

Methods for determining protein in urine

Proteinuria is detected after passing a urine test for the presence of protein. Take into account the molecular weight of the protein, which is used to judge the throughput of the kidneys. A low molecular weight of albumin means that kidney tissue is less affected, and vice versa, a high molecular weight is a sign of severe ailments. According to the results of the analysis, if there are high levels of protein and leukocytes in the urine, then they indicate an inflammatory process, and if there are protein and erythrocytes - an injury in the urinary system.

There are many methods for examining urine for the presence of protein, the doctor in each case determines which method is more effective:

1. Standardized sample with sulfosalicylic acid.

2. The unified Brandberg-Roberts-Stolnikov method

3. Special equipment - photoelectric colorimeter.

4. Biuret method.

5. Indicator paper.

6. Bens-Jones method.

7. Method for determination of protein breakdown products (albumosis).

Treatment and prevention

The main task of any person is to pay attention in time to his well-being, to the changes that occur to him, to the quantity and quality of urine, and not to postpone the visit to the doctor for a long time. First of all, it is necessary to find out the root cause of the appearance of protein in the urine, then choose a method of treatment and eliminate the problem. This can be, for example, arterial hypertension or diabetes mellitus.

If we are talking about diabetes, then in addition to special means, the doctor will recommend a diet. With regard to hypertension, it is important to regularly monitor blood pressure, take medications, and reduce sugar, salt and protein intake. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, congenital anomalies of the kidney or other systemic disease, then you definitely need regular follow-up by a nephrologist.

Author of the article: Lebedev Andrey Sergeevich | Urologist

Education: Diploma in the specialty "Andrology" received after completing residency at the Department of Endoscopic Urology of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education in the urological center of the Central Clinical Hospital No. 1 of JSC Russian Railways (2007). Postgraduate studies were completed here by 2010.