What is proteinuria?
Proteinuria is a condition that occurs when there is protein in the urine. A high amount is considered over 150 mg.
This condition should be borne in mind when diagnosing haematuria (blood in the urine) as if they are affecting an individual at the same time, it may be due to kidney disease.
What are the symptoms?
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may not be noticed. As the condition progresses, the following symptoms may be present:
- Cloudy urine or blood in the urine
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Swelling of the hands, feet, abdomen, or face
- Tiredness, malaise, and nausea
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of appetite
What causes it?
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, while retaining what the body needs, including proteins. With proteinuria, there is a problem with how the kidneys are able to filter.
There are some conditions that cause higher levels of protein in the urine and do not necessarily indicate kidney damage. They include:
- Dehydration
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to extreme cold
- Fever
- Strenuous exercise.
A variety of other conditions can cause a permanent higher level of protein in the urine, such as:
- Diabetes
- Amyloidosis: abnormal protein accumulation in organs
- Lupus: autoimmune disease
- Drug poisoning
- Chronic kidney disease.
How can it be prevented?
A lot of people have protein in their urine so it is important to be aware of the risks it may entail. Some useful tips to avoid issues with excess protein in the urine are:
- Have regular blood and urine tests if you have any symptoms or are at risk of proteinuria.
- Drink water frequently
- Have a balanced diet with a lot of fibre
- Manage hypertension or diabetes adequately.
What is the treatment?
Treatment involves replacing the protein value and finding out the cause for its loss, it may include:
- The main treatment involves monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes may need to be made including taking medications
- If there is a build-up of fluid in the ankles or lung area, there are some diuretic medicines that can be taken to help get rid of the excess fluid
- If the kidney damage is severe, kidney dialysis or a transplant may be an option.
Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
Professor Liz Lightstone - Nephrology
Created on: 01-09-2013
Updated on: 05-22-2023
Edited by: Conor Lynch
What is proteinuria?
Proteinuria is a condition that occurs when there is protein in the urine. A high amount is considered over 150 mg.
This condition should be borne in mind when diagnosing haematuria (blood in the urine) as if they are affecting an individual at the same time, it may be due to kidney disease.
What are the symptoms?
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may not be noticed. As the condition progresses, the following symptoms may be present:
- Cloudy urine or blood in the urine
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Swelling of the hands, feet, abdomen, or face
- Tiredness, malaise, and nausea
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of appetite
What causes it?
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, while retaining what the body needs, including proteins. With proteinuria, there is a problem with how the kidneys are able to filter.
There are some conditions that cause higher levels of protein in the urine and do not necessarily indicate kidney damage. They include:
- Dehydration
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to extreme cold
- Fever
- Strenuous exercise.
A variety of other conditions can cause a permanent higher level of protein in the urine, such as:
- Diabetes
- Amyloidosis: abnormal protein accumulation in organs
- Lupus: autoimmune disease
- Drug poisoning
- Chronic kidney disease.
How can it be prevented?
A lot of people have protein in their urine so it is important to be aware of the risks it may entail. Some useful tips to avoid issues with excess protein in the urine are:
- Have regular blood and urine tests if you have any symptoms or are at risk of proteinuria.
- Drink water frequently
- Have a balanced diet with a lot of fibre
- Manage hypertension or diabetes adequately.
What is the treatment?
Treatment involves replacing the protein value and finding out the cause for its loss, it may include:
- The main treatment involves monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes may need to be made including taking medications
- If there is a build-up of fluid in the ankles or lung area, there are some diuretic medicines that can be taken to help get rid of the excess fluid
- If the kidney damage is severe, kidney dialysis or a transplant may be an option.
Should I be worried if I have protein in my urine?
By Professor Jeremy Levy
2024-12-04
Here, Professor Jeremy Levy, a highly experienced and skilled London-based consultant nephrologist, provides us with an all-you-need-to-know guide on what protein in the urine normally indicates, and whether patients should be worried or not if protein is found in their urine. See more
Protein in urine: what does this indicate?
By Professor Liz Lightstone
2024-12-04
Proteinuria is a symptom of an underlying health problem in which there are increased levels of protein in the urine. If it is left undetected or untreated, proteinuria can progress to more serious complications. We spoke to Professor Liz Lightstone, one of our top consultant nephrologists operating in London, about this symptom to understand what it means to have it and what underlying health conditions might be causing it. See more
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2024-12-02
Did you know that HIV can cause kidney damage? Top nephrologist Professor Jeremy Levy talks us through the kidney problems HIV can cause. See more
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By Dr James Pattison
2024-11-17
It's reassuring to learn about recent medical advances that allow for effective management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), even the more severe cases. Here to explain more and discuss other issues surrounding this common condition, particularly in the older population, is leading consultant nephrologist Dr James Pattinson. See more
Experts in Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
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Professor Liz Lightstone
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Dr James Pattison
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Dr Bernhard Klebe
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Dr Daniel Jones
NephrologyExpert in:
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- Haematuria (blood in the urine)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
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