Protein circulates in your blood to help support a variety of bodily functions, such as fighting disease and regulating the balance of fluid within your blood vessels and surrounding tissue. Your kidneys prevent most protein from leaking out of the blood.
Proteinuria occurs when a large amount of protein leaks into the urine, a sign that your kidneys may not be functioning properly. If your doctor or other health care provider detects high levels of protein in your urine, a nephrologist can diagnose the problem and help treat the underlying cause.
Symptoms of proteinuria
It’s not possible to physically see protein in your urine without a urine test. Yet you may experience other symptoms that could indicate proteinuria, which is a sign of kidney disease:
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
- Exhaustion
- Frequent urge to go to the bathroom
- Itchiness
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen hands and feet
- Foamy urine
Risk factors for proteinuria
These factors may put you at higher risk for proteinuria:
- Being 65 years of age or older
- Being overweight
- Having high blood pressure or preeclampsia (high blood pressure caused by pregnancy)
- Experiencing frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Being diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
Diagnosing and treating proteinuria
Your doctor or other health care provider may find protein in your urine during a routine urinalysis (urine test). Small amounts of protein in urine are normal, but your provider may refer you to a nephrologist if protein levels are too high.
A nephrologist may order further tests to identify the underlying cause of proteinuria. Those tests may include:
- Bloodwork
- Urine culture, a test that analyzes urine for germs that cause infection
- Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scans
- Kidney biopsy
Treatment for proteinuria varies depending on the underlying cause and your specific situation. Treatment options may include:
- Medications, such as antibiotics
- Diet and lifestyle changes if conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are causing the proteinuria
- Surgery if the underlying cause is related to certain kidney conditions
If you need surgery, your nephrologist will coordinate with a urologist regarding your care.