Protein in urine can be caused by too much protein in the body or kidney problems. Temporary increases can be caused by exercise, stress, or medication, while chronic high levels can indicate underlying health problems such as kidney damage or genetic conditions. In pregnant women, it can be a sign of preeclampsia.
Protein in the urine comes from too much protein in the body or impaired kidney function. This condition, called proteinuria, is usually short-lived and benign. In other more serious cases, increased levels of protein in the urine can be an indication of dangerous medical conditions.
Any significant stress to the body can result in a temporary increase in protein levels in the urine. During exercise, for example, protein is released into the bloodstream from muscles. Even completely healthy kidneys often fail to filter out all of this excess protein and some is lost in the urine. A similar process occurs in individuals exposed to extreme temperatures or under emotional stress. These elevated protein levels are temporary and relatively harmless.
Temporary excesses of protein in the urine can also be caused by some medications. Antibiotics, including penicillin, oxacillin, and methicillin, can occasionally make the kidneys less effective. Also, many medicines used to treat kidney and bladder infections can cause changes in kidney function. Occasional use of these drugs is generally safe enough for patients who have healthy kidneys. Patients who will be taking these medicines for long periods of time may require periodic tests of kidney function.
A chronically high level of protein in the urine is commonly a sign of underlying health problems. In these cases, kidney health is, of course, the first area of inquiry. Often, the culprits are very treatable conditions such as kidney and bladder infections.
The presence of cysts on or within the kidneys can also lead to an increase in protein in the urine. Often these are simple cysts with no specific cause. These cysts rarely require surgery. In some cases, however, kidney cysts can be caused by serious genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease or medullary cystic kidney disease. These conditions cause multiple cysts to recur and often lead to significant kidney damage.
Many diseases can lead to kidney damage and chronic kidney failure. Diabetic kidney damage is among the most common causes, but high blood pressure can often be a factor as well. Amyloidosis, a condition in which the body produces excess protein, can overload and consequently damage the kidneys. Additionally, most types of cancer that originate in the urinary system can also lead to kidney damage.
In pregnant women, protein in the urine can be an indicator of preeclampsia. This condition can cause blood pressure to rise to a level that puts both mother and baby in danger. Maternal stroke and seizure activity are possible as preeclampsia progresses. Problems during labor and delivery are also likely.
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