Proteinuria

Proteinuria

is the presence of protein (albumin) in the urine.  There are different types of proteinuria including glomerular, tubular, overflow, and post-renal. Glomerular proteinuria is the most common type.

It is not always related to an underlying condition such as kidney disease.  Normally, there is very no protein present in your urine. The kidney’s good filtration barrier prevents proteins from leaving the blood, and proteins that manage to make it through the filtration barrier signify pathology.

Causes:

  • Diabetes and hypertension.
  • Kidney Disease – Acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease.
  • Overflow proteinuria – Occurs when the amount of low molecular with proteins in the blood exceeds the amount the kidneys can filter.
  • Medications – Antibiotics, Angiotensin-receptor blockers, narcotics, NSAIDs, rifampin.
  • Pregnancy- pre-eclampsia.

Symptoms:

  • No symptoms.
  • Edema- swelling in face, belly, feet, or ankles.
  • Foamy or bubbly urine.
  • Puffiness around the eyes
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Dry itchy skin.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Chronic Fatigue.
  • Nausea and vomiting.