Protein in urine is an important indication to doctors that something may be wrong with the way your kidneys are functioning. In short, high levels of protein can indicate that you may have kidney disease or another type of serious medical condition. Doctors will learn of the presence of protein when they conduct a test called a urinalysis on your urine.
The job of your kidneys is to filter substances out of the blood. As your body’s cells and organs work, they produce waste, which enters the bloodstream and is carried through the kidneys, which work as a filter to remove these products.
Some proteins in urine aren’t harmful and are even necessary for proper function of the body. However, some conditions can cause a problem in the filtering process, which allows protein to reenter the body at high levels.
Keep in mind that lower levels of protein are not a problem, especially in younger adults and children who are active. When protein is found in tests such as a microalbumin, this may be one of the best indications and earliest signs of diabetic kidney damage. At this point, you will need to get help for kidney disease.
- Cold and heat exposure causes a temporary rise
- Fever, emotional stress and strenuous exercises can cause a spike that’s temporary
The following conditions often lead to a more persistently elevated level of protein and need medical treatment.
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Some types of drugs
- Kidney infections
- Sickle cell anemia
- Chronic kidney failure
When you have any of these above causes, your doctor will screen urine as necessary to ensure kidney function is maintained.
From there, your doctor will recommend the best treatment options for you to treat the underlying cause of the elevated levels.
Written by Patrick Ireland