Protein in the urine is not always an emergency. A number of daily activities and normal conditions can temporarily cause this condition, also called proteinuria, including exposure to intense heat or cold, emotional stress, fever, and strenuous exercise
Because proteinuria can also be a sign of kidney disease, elevated levels of protein in the urine should not be ignored.
Two Common Causes of Proteinuria
Diabetes and high blood pressure can both damage the kidneys. This damage can cause increased levels of protein in urine. Diabetes and high blood pressure should be treated accordingly, not only to manage the conditions but also to prevent further kidney damage.
Other Conditions That Cause Protein in Urine
There are several conditions that can lead to elevated protein levels in the urine. The most common are:
- Certain medications
- Trauma
- Toxins
- Inflection
- Obesity
- Old age (over 65)
- Immune system disorders
Some people are more likely to experience proteinuria after long periods of standing rather than when lying down.
Proteinuria Symptoms and Treatment
Since protein in urine can result from several different causes, there are no symptoms specific only to proteinuria. However, if proteinuria is a sign of kidney disease, the following symptoms may also be present:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased urine production
- Swollen ankles and puffiness around the eyes
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Fatigue and shortness of breath
- Decreased appetite
- Increasingly higher blood pressure
- Pale skin
- Dry, itchy skin
Treatment for proteinuria depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If it is caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, these can be managed with medications. If acute kidney failure is causing proteinuria, a medical professional should treat the illness directly.
Treatment for Protein in Urine at FastMed
If you experience any a combination of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately. They may be a sign of kidney disease, which can to lead to chronic kidney failure.
The medical staff at FastMed Urgent Care are ready and able to relieve any anxiety you have about protein in the urine and to manage your condition. Our on-site labs can provide the results of blood and urine analyses quickly and efficiently, and you don’t need an appointment to receive care.
Just walk right in at your local FastMed location with any questions or concerns you have about the protein in your urine.
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Sources:
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/protein-in-urine/basics/causes
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-disease/basics/treatment
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-kidney-disease-symptoms