Proteinuria is the presence of high levels of protein in urine, caused by kidney damage or other medical conditions. It can be diagnosed through a urine sample and treated by addressing the underlying cause. In athletes, it can be a normal occurrence after exercise.
Proteinuria is a medical term used to describe high levels of protein in the urine. Under normal conditions, people lack protein in their urine because structures in the kidneys known as glomeruli filter protein so it can be used again by the body. In people with this condition, the protein indicates that there is a medical problem that needs to be addressed.
The cause of proteinuria is kidney damage that interferes with the function of the glomeruli, so they cannot filter protein. Glomerulonephritis, in which these structures become inflamed, is a common cause. Proteinuria is also associated with cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes, which can put a strain on the kidneys so they can’t function normally. Protein in urine can also be caused by urinary tract infections and inflammation.
Some people develop edema, especially in the hands and feet. Swelling in the hands and feet can be bothersome and can mean that shoes and rings don’t fit as well as they normally would. Foamy urine, caused by a change in surface tension, can also develop in people with high levels of protein in their urine. Other individuals develop no symptoms, discovering the problem only during a medical exam.
This condition is diagnosed by taking a urine sample from a patient and analyzing it. Many labs have a simple “dipstick test” in which a coated strip of protein-sensitive material is dipped into urine to check for protein. It is also possible to chemically analyze urine. Albumin is the protein most commonly found in patients with this condition, although other proteins may also be present.
Proteinuria is simply a symptom of an underlying medical condition. By treating the cause, the excess protein in the urine usually resolves as well. Because kidney problems can lead to very serious medical problems, excess protein in the urine is a cause for concern and should be addressed by a doctor.
In athletes, proteinuria sometimes develops after exercise and can be detected by drug tests or routine physical exams. Initially, doctors thought this was a sign of kidney damage, but later studies have suggested this is actually normal, especially for young athletes. If the athlete rests in a recumbent position and then repeats the test, the protein levels should return to normal.
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