Understanding the Basics of Proteinuria: Its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Maintaining the health of the kidneys is very important as their functions include eliminating waste from the body and regulating water. Making healthy kidney lifestyle changes prevents the occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease. Drinking lots of water, adding berries, fish, and leafy greens to the diet and reducing salt intake will go a long way in preserving the kidneys. Diabetes and kidneys are interrelated, so controlling blood sugar is important. Control of high blood pressure is also essential to safeguard the kidneys.
One should also know about the first symptoms of kidney failure, like swelling, lack of energy or muscle strain, and change in urination pattern to avoid hardship. If you have symptoms of proteinuria, meet the best Nephrologist near you, get a medical approach, and get professional help for kidney health. By increasing awareness of kidney disease, we can create a lot of action and encourage others to do the same.
If you have done a general pee test, have you received the line ‘proteinuria’ in a report? In simpler terms, it is a condition whereby one can find a high amount of protein in urine. When diagnosing kidney issues, a strict threshold exists for the percentage of proteins excreted in the urine. Excessive levels are bad news, but there is some leeway for bladder leakage if you will.
What is Proteinuria?
In full, your kidneys filter your blood. Many elements, such as proteins, are retained, and only waste and toxins are cleared. However, suppose the kidney filters known as the glomeruli are destroyed or are under stress. In that case, Proteinuria may occur, as this causes such glomeruli to become leaky and secrete protein in the urine.
Why Does It Happen?
We do not have a simple answer since proteinuria can be primary or secondary due to several causes. Some common causes outlined below include but are not limited to:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):Chronic high blood pressure in the arteries can progressively injure the kidney filters.
- Diabetes: High and uncontrolled sugar levels in the blood especially lead to kidney damage termed as diabetic nephropathy.
- Kidney diseases: Diseases like glomerulonephritis or polycystic kidney disease are also protein leakage patients.
- Infections: Temporary proteinuria is sometimes associated with diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTI).
“Know the Signs. Protect Your Kidneys!”