Protein in urine: what does it mean? Reasons for increase and norms. Increased protein in urine: possible causes and treatment Kidneys increased protein in urine

Protein in urine is present in the body of any person. Normally, this figure should not exceed 0.033 g/l. An increase in this rate indicates development. To eliminate this factor, you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.

Etiology

The cause of protein in the urine in large quantities may be the following:

• poor nutrition;
• frequent, nervous tension;
• pregnancy;
• gastroenterological pathologies;
• kidney pathologies that develop against the background of existing ailments;
• toxic poisoning;
• high protein diet;
• hypothermia;
• long-term use of medications;
• diseases of the genitourinary system.

Clinicians note that most often increased protein in the urine of a child or adult is observed during pathological processes in the kidneys. In this case, the following etiological factors should be highlighted:

• kidney carcinoma;
• lipoid nephrosis.

In addition, immune disorders and age-related changes in the body can be provoking factors. Increased protein in the urine during pregnancy may indicate either the development of a certain pathological process or simply poor nutrition. In general, the following etiological reasons for increased protein in the urine during pregnancy can be identified:

• food with increased amounts of protein;
• pyelonephritis during pregnancy;
• development .

It should be said that increased protein in the urine of a pregnant woman is observed quite often, since in this state there is an increased load on the woman’s body. In most cases, the protein in the urine returns to normal after childbirth. The allowed protein level in urine during pregnancy is 0.002/l.

Symptoms

If the protein in the urine is slightly increased or the disorder is short-lived, there are usually no additional symptoms. If the presence of protein in the urine is a symptom of a certain pathological process, the following signs of the clinical picture may be observed:

• , increased fatigue;
• , often with urges to;
• change in the color of urine - with an increased amount of protein it becomes red, with low levels it becomes almost white;
• chills, fever;
• the appearance of edema;
• deterioration or complete .

Increased protein in the urine of a child may have the following additional clinical signs:

• moodiness, crying for no apparent reason;
• sudden change of mood or complete;
• almost complete refusal of food.

It should be noted that such a clinical picture does not always indicate increased levels of protein in the body. The above-described signs may be symptoms of another pathological process, so you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.

Diagnostics

What does an increased or decreased level of protein in the urine mean, only a doctor can say after an examination and an accurate diagnosis. First of all, the doctor conducts a detailed physical examination, taking into account the medical history. During this stage of the examination, it is necessary to find out how the patient eats, whether he has taken any medications recently and whether he has any chronic diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis and clarify the etiology of this pathological process, the following laboratory and instrumental examinations are carried out:

• general and daily urine analysis;
• general and biochemical blood test;
• , pelvis, heart;
• immunological studies.

Additional diagnostic methods will depend on the clinical presentation, the general condition of the patient and the suspected etiology.

Separately, the stage of collecting urine for research should be highlighted. In this case, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Only a sterile container should be used to collect liquid;
• Before taking the analysis, you should carefully carry out all hygiene procedures for the perineal area. You cannot use herbal infusions or antiseptics.

Incorrectly collected tests can cause an incorrect diagnosis.

Treatment

If test results confirm increased protein in the urine, treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. Unauthorized use of drugs can stabilize the indicators, but this does not guarantee that the underlying factor has been eliminated.

If traces of protein in the urine during pregnancy are due to poor nutrition, then the doctor should prescribe a diet. Taking medications, even in the presence of an illness, is kept to a minimum, as this can harm an adult or child.

If this symptom is provoked by an infectious or inflammatory process, antibiotic therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

In general, treatment for such disorders in the body is purely individual, since this is not a separate disease, but a symptom of certain changes in the body.

Prevention

There are no specific methods of prevention, since this is not a separate disease. In general, you should adhere to the general rules for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, treat all ailments in a timely and correct manner and not self-medicate. Unauthorized use of drugs can cause the development of serious complications and a blurred clinical picture, which will lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

Proteinuria is a condition in which protein is present in the urine. The phenomenon refers to the symptoms of a wide range of diseases. It is impossible to detect such an impurity in urine at home. To remove the compound from urine, it is necessary to act on the underlying pathology. The localization of the lesion can only be determined using laboratory, hardware and instrumental diagnostic methods. Without undergoing an examination, it is impossible to determine the cause of the deterioration of the condition. In 99% of cases, treatment is indicated for patients with a protein compound in their urine.

Proteinuria indicates the development of a serious pathological process in the body. It may have a destructive, infectious-inflammatory or tumor origin. The physiological function of the kidneys is disrupted - filtration, excretory (excretory). Toxic substances that should normally be eliminated from the body through urination accumulate in the blood, causing harmful effects.

What is the norm

When the body is in good condition, the protein compound is not contained in the urine at all. But taking into account the patient’s possible intake of Aminoglycoside, Colistin or Acetazolamide, the acceptable concentration is considered to be up to 0.033 g/l per day. In pregnant women, this value is 0.14 g/l, as hormonal and other physiological changes occur in the body. Depending on the concentration of the protein compound in the urine, proteinuria is classified into 4 degrees.

Occurs:

• Microalbuminuria. Protein concentration – 30-300 mg/day
• Mild degree. The condition can be quickly corrected. Protein content varies from 300 mg to 1 g/day
• Average degree. The patient requires hospitalization. Protein concentration – 1-3 g/day
• Severe degree. The patient is being treated in the intensive care unit. The presence of protein compounds exceeds 3000 mg/day

To correctly determine protein levels, you need to correctly submit your urine for testing. Morning urine is suitable for analysis, which should be collected in a clean, dry container immediately after hygiene measures. To compare protein levels, the doctor may order an analysis of the daily volume of urine - in this case, it will have to be collected over a 24-hour period.

Symptoms

As proteinuria increases, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

1. Twisting sensations in the joints of the arms and legs
2. Increased blood pressure, difficult to correct
3. Swelling in the arms, legs, face, and in severe pathologies, fluid accumulates inside the abdominal cavity
4. Pale skin, dizziness, feeling of general weakness
5. Cramps mainly at night
6. Lack of appetite
7. Chills, nausea
8. Increased fatigue
9. Unpleasant sensations in the lumbosacral back

Depending on the underlying cause that caused the urine to become saturated with protein, the patient may have an increase in body temperature. Additional symptoms are disturbances in sleep and brain activity, changes in the color of urine - it becomes cloudy, containing characteristic flakes.

Causes

Factors that cause proteinuria are previous poisonings, burns, progressive or recently resolved infectious and inflammatory processes in the body. Other reasons are allergies, hypothermia, exposure to stress, and a genetic predisposition to the development of diseases that cause urine to become saturated with protein. The phenomenon also occurs due to taking certain medications and compression of the kidneys by the growing uterus (during pregnancy). Rarely, saturation of urine with protein is a consequence of poor nutrition: if it is dominated by the consumption of raw eggs and dairy products.

Polycystic kidney disease

Multiple cysts inside a paired organ are a consequence of genetic predisposition, previous lower back injuries, and the negative influence of endogenous and exogenous factors. The patient’s health condition does not bother him for a long time. He learns about polycystic disease during an examination for another reason or when tumors suppurate. Proteinuria is a consequence of inflammation of cysts, which is dangerous due to organ abscess. If the neoplasms fester (for example, when bacteria transfer to the parenchyma from another pathogenic focus), in addition to the saturation of urine with a protein compound:

1. Body temperature rises significantly
2. There is severe pain in the lower back
3. Blood pressure levels decrease, which causes weakness, dizziness, and loss of appetite
4. Increased sweat production

When cysts suppurate, the patient is indicated for surgical treatment, followed by antibiotic therapy.

Pyelonephritis

Damage to the renal pelvis, which occurs due to exposure to pathogenic microflora, often bacteria. Men and women are equally susceptible to the disease. The reasons for the development of pathology are hypothermia, the transfer of pathogens from neighboring foci of inflammation, and the use of potent medications.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis:

1. Lower back pain
2. Increased body temperature
3. Weakness, lack of appetite, dizziness
4. Increased urge to urinate
5. Reduced blood pressure levels
6. Pallor, sleep disturbance

When the patient voices the listed complaints, he is examined and diagnosed. It is on the basis of the results of the study that the presence of a high volume of protein is determined, which serves as an indication for immediate hospitalization. Treatment is antibiotic therapy, administration of vitamins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones. Also, for pyelonephritis, nutritional correction is indicated: exclusion of salty, spicy, sour, and alcoholic foods.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys is a consequence of exposure to conditions of high air humidity, genetic predisposition, and poisoning.

Signs of glomerulonephritis:

• Pain in the lower back when urinating, changing body position, or performing even a small amount of physical activity
• Light pink coloration of urine
• Increased body temperature
• Weakness, lethargy, dizziness, lack of appetite and other signs associated with intoxication of the body

The presence of protein in urine is an indicator of the progression of a severe inflammatory process inside the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis is eliminated through antibiotic therapy, the use of hemostatic drugs, hormones, and vitamins. The disease also requires adherence to a diet, reduced consumption of salt and water. Glomerulonephritis is dangerous due to renal failure, in which the only treatment option is hemodialysis, and then organ transplantation.

Amyloidosis and renal tuberculosis

Amyloidosis is a pathological condition in which toxic compounds – amyloids – accumulate in the body. The exact reasons for the development of the disease have not been established, but according to the observations of doctors, the main factor is hereditary predisposition. Those at risk for pathology include malignant tumors and autoimmune processes (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis).

Symptoms of amyloidosis:

1. Frequent urination
2. Decreased sensation in the arms and legs
3. Reduced blood pressure readings
4. Swelling of the arms and legs
5. Pale pink hue of urine
6. Weight gain (including due to edema)
7. Shortness of breath, chest pain
8. Dizziness

In severe forms of amyloidosis, total intoxication of the body occurs, accumulation of large amounts of fluid inside the tissues. Kidney tuberculosis is a pathological process in which the structure of the organ is destroyed. The cause of the development of pathology is infection with mycobacteria entering the blood through the hematogenous route.

The main manifestations of renal tuberculosis are dull pain in the lower back, an increase in body temperature to low levels, the presence of blood in the urine, and discomfort when urinating. Protein in urine is not the only symptom detected during analysis in patients with the disease in question. In tuberculosis, urine additionally contains mycobacteria and red blood cells.

Hypertonic disease

A pathological condition in which the patient’s blood pressure often increases, which is facilitated by:

• Hereditary predisposition
• Abuse of alcohol, junk food, chaotic medication use
• Constant exposure to stress
• Frequent exposure to high temperatures
• Presence of obesity of 2 or more degrees

Hypertension is dangerous because of a crisis - a condition in which the level of blood pressure reaches unacceptably high limits. This leads to the development of a stroke. Protein in urine with hypertension indicates problems with blood clotting - the risk of clots increases. Blood clots can block the lumen of veins and arteries, block blood flow to organs, cause hypoxia, or break off.

Diabetes

One of the most severe endocrine diseases. The cause of development is hereditary predisposition, stress, alcoholism. Main manifestations of the disease:

• Long-term healing of even small wounds
• Thirst
• Increased sweating
• Increased daily diuresis

Proteinuria in diabetes mellitus indicates a significant imbalance of hormones in the blood and confirms the presence of pancreatic dysfunction. To maintain insulin levels in the body at normal levels and avoid the development of coma, you need to visit an endocrinologist.

Preeclampsia in pregnant women

Consequence of stress factors, hereditary predisposition, age over 40 years, taking medications. The presence of proteinuria during gestation is a sign that the child’s growth and development may be impaired. The reason is insufficient blood flow to the fetus, intoxication with compounds that accumulate in the blood due to the failure of the kidneys to filter.

A woman’s blood pressure levels rise to critical levels, a severe headache occurs, and convulsions appear. If there is a massive loss of protein during urination, albumin transfusion is indicated for all pregnant women. This action relates to replacement therapy, reduces the likelihood of fetal death, placental abruption, and premature birth.

Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries

A serious disease of the cardiovascular system, in which the arteries supplying the paired organ with blood are clogged with fatty deposits. Atherosclerotic plaques form gradually, this is accompanied by poor nutrition, staying near foci of toxic effects, and the heredity factor. Proteinuria indicates impaired renal function, which leads to necrosis of organ tissue due to insufficient blood supply. In case of aggravated atherosclerosis of the renal arteries, organ-preserving surgery is performed.

Cystitis

Inflammation of the bladder develops for several reasons, the main of which are:

• Hypothermia
• Introducing bacteria from other foci of inflammation (with vaginal candidiasis, colitis, pyelonephritis)
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules
• Recent medical and diagnostic procedures using non-sterile instruments
• Excessive activity during intimacy
• Allergy to latex condoms; intolerance to the fabric from which pads and tampons are made
• Unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who does not maintain personal hygiene
• Suffered severe poisoning - food, drug or other type

In women, cystitis occurs more often than in men, which is associated with the anatomical features of the urinary canal. Proteinuria during inflammation of the bladder is a sign of extensive damage to the organ, an indicator of the risk of a possible transition of the pathological process to the kidneys. Symptoms of cystitis are pain and burning during urine discharge, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, spasms above the pubis, increased body temperature. Cystitis is eliminated with antibiotics, uroseptics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a heating pad to the suprapubic area, but provided there is no hematuria (when the urine is saturated with blood).

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra is a consequence of insufficient personal hygiene, hypothermia, wearing too tight underwear, allergies. Urethritis is manifested by proteinuria in a chronic course and a high probability of spread of the lesion to neighboring organs. Manifestations of the pathology are irritation during urination, a slight increase in body temperature, swelling of the urethra, redness of the tissues of the vulva. Treatment does not differ from the therapy used for the development of cystitis.

Prostatitis in men

Inflammation of the prostate gland is a consequence of factors such as hypothermia, physical inactivity, lack of constant sexual activity, and the presence of a sexually transmitted disease. Prostatitis also occurs with a genetic predisposition to the disease. Signs of prostate inflammation:

• Pain when urinating, pain inside the urethra
• Increased body temperature
• Urine discharge in a sluggish, intermittent stream
• Discomfort in the perineum when a man is in a sitting position
• The appearance of an unpleasant odor from urine, a change in color
• The need to tense the abdominal muscles to completely empty the bladder

Protein in urine in men suffering from prostatitis indicates extensive damage to organ tissue and the development of hormonal imbalance. If acute prostatitis is not eliminated in a timely manner, it becomes chronic. The disease can lead to the development of impotence and cause infertility. The inflammatory and infectious process of the prostate gland is treated with antibiotics, non-steroidal drugs, hormonal drugs, and vitamins. Additionally, prostate massage and a number of physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.

Inflammation of the ureters

The disease is promoted by hypothermia, the movement of pathogenic microflora from neighboring lesions, and prolonged inhibition of the urge to urinate. Also, inflammation of the ureters occurs due to poor personal hygiene, abuse of salty, sour and spicy foods.

The pathology is eliminated by using antibiotics, uroseptics (Furazolidone and its analogues), and multivitamin complexes. Additionally, adherence to a diet is indicated - refusal to eat salty, sour, spicy, smoked foods; exclusion of alcohol, fruit drinks, caffeine. Proteinuria during inflammation of the ureters is an indicator of the lack of proper treatment, a signal of the imminent transition of the pathological process to the kidneys and bladder.

Possible complications

Proteins perform a wide range of functions in the body:

• adjust hormone levels
• balance the degree of blood clotting
• protect the body from attacks by pathogens of all types
• support tissue structure, preventing the degeneration of cells from physiological to malignant

Complications associated with increased protein compounds in the blood include hormonal imbalance, decreased immunity and predisposition to diseases, including cancer. Depending on the underlying cause of proteinuria, the patient may experience a kidney abscess, failure of this organ; in pregnant women – premature birth, placental abruption. If urine is oversaturated with protein compounds, fetal death may occur - the kidneys cannot cope with the filtration function and toxins accumulate in the blood.

Which doctor should I contact?

Initially, if your health worsens, you should visit a therapist: he will prescribe a basic examination. Taking into account the diagnostic results, the underlying pathology is established. This is how the profile of the doctor is determined, who will subsequently prescribe, monitor and adjust therapy. If protein is detected in the urine of pregnant women, a treatment plan is drawn up by the observing gynecologist. Proteinuria caused by diabetes is treated by an endocrinologist. If protein saturates the urine due to inflammation of the urogenital tract, you will need to consult a urologist. If there is a relationship between increased protein in urine and hypertension, contact a cardiologist.

Diagnostics

To establish the root cause of urine saturation with protein, extensive diagnostics are prescribed. Basic methods:

1. Clinical, biochemical blood test.
2. Urinalysis - general, bacteriological, according to Zimnitsky, according to Nechiporenko.
3. Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder, ureters (depending on the organ whose usefulness the doctor has doubts about).
4. MRI or CT. Complex radiation imaging methods provide information about the state of health when other types of diagnostics are less informative.
5. X-ray examination (a general overview image allows you to assess the condition and location of the kidneys).
6. Urethral smear to determine microflora.
7. Urine examination for mycobacteria (if kidney tuberculosis is suspected).

Additional types of diagnostics depend on the characteristics of the clinical case. It is possible to prescribe a Doppler ultrasound, a blood test to determine its sugar level, and excretory urography.

Treatment

To eliminate protein from urine and stop the underlying disease that caused proteinuria, patients are prescribed:

• Corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone or Dexamethasone prevent the development of inflammation and restore renal activity. Hormonal drugs are administered taking into account the patient’s weight and age.
• Antibacterial drugs. A specific type of antibiotic is prescribed only taking into account the identified causative agent of the underlying pathology that caused proteinuria.
• Non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs). Drugs in this group relieve pain and eliminate the process of inflammation. General contraindications for the use of NSAIDs are the presence of gastritis, colitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers.
• Vitamins. Synthetic substitutes for biologically active substances help restore immunity and normalize blood circulation.
• Antihypertensive drugs. Allows you to normalize blood pressure, avoid the development of crisis and hemorrhagic stroke.

For kidney tuberculosis, medications are prescribed to prevent the organ tissue from shrinking. Copious bleeding during urination (for example, with glomerulonephritis) is an indication for the use of Dicinone, Calcium chloride, Sodium ethamsylate, Aminocaproic acid. In case of hypertensive crisis, the patient is prescribed the administration of Dibazol, Papaverine, Magnesium sulfate. These drugs help quickly normalize blood pressure levels.

Prevention

To prevent the development of diseases that are characterized by saturation of urine with protein, it is necessary:

• Avoid hypothermia.
• During sports or professional activities, protect the body from possible injuries.
• Keep your distance from sources of toxic or radiation radiation.
• Do not use medications without a doctor's prescription.
• Control your diet and avoid the presence of unnatural products in it.
• Carry out hygiene measures carefully and regularly.
• Stop drinking alcohol and other bad habits.

Protein in the urine is a signal of a serious disorder in the body. It is possible that it has a hidden form, but this does not make the degree of negative impact on health less. To get rid of proteinuria, the underlying condition that caused this symptom is eliminated. Depending on the identified disease, the use of antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and hormones is prescribed.

A slight increase in protein in the urine is acceptable during pregnancy. But, given the frequent development of preeclampsia in pregnant women, women with proteinuria are under increased control by gynecologists.

Video: Decoding urine test

Protein in the urine, or proteinuria, is an increased concentration of proteins (protein inclusions) in a urine test. Normally, protein components are found in all biological fluids of the body. If a general urine test reveals elevated levels, this means that kidney function is impaired. In the absence of pathologies, the amount of proteins in urine is 0.14 g/l. Proteinuria indicates inflammation of the renal tubular system or disruption of the glomerular filter.

When is a protein test ordered?

Determination of protein in urine indicates a violation of the filtration function of the kidneys. Most often, proteinuria is temporary and therefore is not a pathological symptom. According to statistics, it is found in 17% of people of different age groups, but only 2% of them are diagnosed with serious illnesses.

To understand what the increased protein content in the fluid indicates, additional examinations are carried out - ultrasound of the kidneys, biochemical urine analysis, contrast-enhanced CT scan, etc.

The analysis is prescribed when there is a change in the physical characteristics of urine - odor, transparency, color, density. Patients with proteinuria complain of a burning sensation when emptying the bladder, fatigue, and drowsiness. To determine the cause of pathological symptoms, a general urinalysis (urinalysis) is prescribed.

Indications for analysis:

• routine examination when pregnant women are registered at the dispensary;
• congestive heart failure;
• monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes treatment;
• suspicion of genitourinary diseases (prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, urolithiasis);
• recent surgical interventions;
• control of therapy for intoxication with poisons and drugs;
• suspected urinary tract cancer;
• prolonged hypothermia of the body.

What tests detect protein in urine?

Pathological swelling of the limbs, frequent dizziness, chills, chronic fatigue are signs of proteinuria. With typical complaints, patients turn to a therapist. The doctor conducts an initial examination, palpating the kidney area. If they are enlarged, the patient is prescribed:

• general urinalysis (UCA);
• clinical blood test.

If traces of protein are found in the biomaterial, the person is referred to a urologist or nephrologist. To make an accurate diagnosis, additional determination methods are used:

• Quantitative method. A coloring pigment containing molybdenum ions is added to the urine sample. They form compounds with proteins, by which their content is determined.
• Calculation of the creatinine/protein ratio in a portion of urine. In the absence of pathologies, per 1 g of creatinine there is no more than 0.2 g of protein.
• Daily urine collection. Normally, the level of protein components in urine per day does not exceed 0.15 g.

If more than 0.15-0.2 g of protein enters the urine per day, proteinuria (albuminuria) is diagnosed. More precisely, the composition of sediment in the urine is determined during biochemical analysis. Normally, no more than 20% of protein inclusions are immunoglobulins, another 40% are mucoproteins and the same amount are albumins.

The norm of protein in urine in women, men and children

Elevated protein in a urine test is referred to as proteinuria. Normally it should not be detected. But in urology there is an acceptable concentration of protein inclusions. In this case, they talk about traces of protein in urine. The doctor comes to a similar conclusion if the concentration of proteins in the urine sample does not exceed the upper threshold - 0.15 g/l.

• time of analysis;
• general condition of the child;
• taking medications.

Amount of protein in urine in children:

Pregnant women and women in labor:

In men and non-pregnant women aged 17 to 60 years, protein should not exceed 0.15 mg/l.

What does it mean if elevated protein is detected?

Classification of proteinuria is carried out taking into account different criteria:

• cause;
• protein concentration in urine sample;
• source of protein components.

Depending on the provoking factors, proteinuria can be physiological or pathological. In the first case, the increase in the concentration of proteins in the urine is not associated with diseases, and in the second, it is caused by malfunctions of the urinary, endocrine, cardiovascular and other systems.

Physiological proteinuria

Physiological proteinuria is an increased protein content in urine that is not associated with disease. It is provoked mainly by external factors, therefore it is temporary.

Types of proteinuria:

• working (marching) - occurs as a result of excessive physical activity, increased blood circulation;
• nutritional – provoked by the consumption of foods that increase protein in the blood;
• orthostatic – caused by prolonged standing or walking;
• emotional – manifests itself during times of strong excitement and stressful situations.

Factors that provoke proteinuria include:

• sports activities;
• alcohol consumption;
• hypothermia;
• dehydration;
• allergic reaction;
• sudden change in body position;
• taking medications;
• psycho-emotional stress.

If the analysis shows a high level of protein inclusions in the urine, sometimes this indicates improper preparation for the study and collection of biomaterial:

• neglect of hygiene during analysis collection;
• violation of urine storage rules;
• collection during menstruation.

The presence of proteins in liquid is often associated with the consumption of dairy products, spicy foods, marinades, vinegar sauces, and sweets.

Possible kidney diseases

Improper kidney function is the main cause of protein in the urine. Impaired renal filter function results in insufficient reabsorption of proteins into the blood, causing them to end up in the urine. In 8 out of 10 cases, pathological proteinuria is associated with diseases of the urinary system:

• glomerulonephritis;
• kidney amyloidosis;
• nephrotic syndrome;
• kidney stone disease;
• pyelonephritis;
• kidney failure;
• hydronephrosis;
• kidney cystosis;
• Sjögren's syndrome;
• damage to the tubular system.

If the protein in the liquid is increased, a blood test for tumor markers is prescribed. Sometimes proteinuria becomes a sign of tumor damage to the kidneys.

Extrarenal factors

There are 2 types of extrarenal proteinuria:

• prerenal – increased content of protein substances due to tissue breakdown;
• postrenal – caused by pathologies of the urinary system organs (ureter, urethra, bladder).

Extrarenal causes of the appearance of protein in urine:

• cystitis;
• cancer or benign tumors of the bladder;
• heart failure;
• hypertensive crisis;
• urethritis;
• urinary tract injuries;
• concussion;
• monocytic leukemia;
• tuberculosis;
• urolithiasis (bladder stones).

Extrarenal proteinuria is called false, since the increase in protein concentration in urine is not associated with kidney dysfunction.

The pathological condition is also provoked by inflammation of the prostate gland, multiple myeloma, diabetes mellitus, and congestion.

Causes of increased protein in urine in pregnant women and women in labor

During pregnancy, the female body experiences serious stress, which is associated with:

• hormonal imbalance;
• stress;
• decreased immunity;
• toxicosis;
• changing your diet;
• taking vitamin and mineral complexes.

If the protein in the urine is increased, but its level is below 0.3 g/l, this condition is considered normal. Exceeding the upper limit of normal indicates gestational pyelonephritis or preeclampsia. If the protein content reaches 5 g/day, preeclampsia, a complicated pregnancy, is diagnosed in 90% of cases.

Additional Signs of High Protein Levels

Pathological proteinuria is accompanied by characteristic symptoms:

• discomfort when urinating;
• increased urine density;
• anemia;
• soreness in muscles and bones;
• dizziness;
• chronic fatigue;
• nausea;
• loose stools;
• numbness of fingers;
• swelling of the limbs;
• muscle spasms.

The risk group includes athletes, elderly people and patients who suffer from metabolic diseases - diabetes, obesity.

Dangerous consequences of proteinuria

Due to impaired kidney function, the body loses a noticeable amount of protein, which leads to:

• pulmonary edema;
• ascites (abdominal dropsy);
• puffiness of the face;
• oxygen starvation of the brain;
• loss of consciousness;
• coronary heart disease.

Due to the excretion of proteins, blood plasma pressure decreases. It leaks through the walls of blood vessels into the surrounding tissues and cavities. For patients with kidney failure, this can be fatal.

What to do if protein is elevated in urine test

Before treating albuminuria, the reasons for the increased level of proteins in the urine are clarified. More often it is provoked by inflammation of the kidneys. To remove it and reduce the concentration of protein in the liquid, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Cefepime - destroys bacterial infection;
• Monurel – inhibits the proliferation of microbes in the urinary tract;
• Furosemide – has a diuretic effect, eliminates swelling;
• Hypoxen – prevents oxygen starvation, loss of consciousness;
• Diclofenac – relieves pain, relieves swelling and inflammation.

Treatment of proteinuria with folk remedies is carried out as an addition to drug therapy:

• Cranberry. Boil 1 cup of cake in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes. Strain and mix with 200 ml of cranberry juice. Drink 100 ml 3 times a day.
• Birch buds. 3 tbsp. l. the raw materials are steamed with 1.5 liters of hot water. Leave the thermos for 1.5-2 hours. Drink 150 ml 3-4 times a day.

To reduce protein loss, it is necessary to reduce the load on inflamed kidneys. Patients with pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis are prescribed a diet with limited table salt, animal proteins, fast food and other foods. The basis of the diet is:

• fresh vegetables and fruits;
• boiled fish;
• cereals;
• dairy products;
• pasta;
• dietary meat;
• dried fruits.

How to give urine correctly so that the tests are reliable

To ensure that the research results do not have serious errors, you should:

• exclude fatty foods and alcohol 2 days before the test;
• stop taking contraceptives 3-5 days before the examination;
• wash the genitals with neutral soap;
• collect an average portion of morning urine;
• close the container with an airtight lid and place in the refrigerator;
• deliver the biomaterial to the laboratory within 1-2 hours after collection.

Urine samples are stored in the refrigerator. This prevents the formation of sediment and the proliferation of bacteria in the liquid.

Is low protein content dangerous?

The decrease in protein levels in urine is not clinically significant. Normally, protein inclusions should not be present in the urine. If they are absent, this indicates the correct functioning of the kidney filtration system.

Sometimes the absence of even the slightest impurities in the urine indicates false negative results. This is facilitated by:

• the presence of specific proteins in urine;

First, there is a loss of proteins with low molecular weight (small ones), but as the pathological process develops in the kidneys, “large proteins” leave in the urine.

One of the first and mandatory clinical tests, which is taken for any diseases, examinations and preventive examinations, is a urine test. There are limits to the permissible content of certain elements in it. Any change in these parameters may indicate disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. The level of protein in the urine is especially important diagnostically. In a healthy person, there is no protein in the urine, and its appearance is called “proteinuria.”

Causes

One of the main functions of the kidneys is to create a filtration barrier to retain beneficial substances (proteins) in the bloodstream. But sometimes, for some reason, this filter makes errors in its operation. Then the kidney membranes begin to allow blood plasma proteins to pass through, which normally should not leave the body in the urine.

First, there is a loss of proteins with low molecular weight (small ones), but as the pathological process develops in the kidneys, “large proteins” also begin to leave in the urine.

The ability of a damaged renal filter to pass protein molecules depending on their size is selective proteinuria (selective). It characterizes the degree of damage to the filtration barrier and has diagnostic value. The more severe the damage, the larger the proteins leaving the body.

After eating protein foods (raw eggs, milk) a small concentration of protein may appear in the urine, but this does not indicate pathology. This type of proteinuria is called “trace protein in the urine” and can occur in anyone.

In addition to protein foods, physiological proteinuria can be caused by the following processes:

• active, dynamic physical activity;
• prolonged hypothermia;
• nervous tension;
• colds and infectious diseases;
• pregnancy period;
• taking pharmacological drugs.

Exercise increases the amount of lactic acid, which irritates the kidney tissue. Hypothermia may not cause inflammation, but it can slow down the flow of blood in the kidney structures and, accordingly, disrupt filtration in them. An increased release of adrenaline (stress, frustration, quarrels) also increases the amount of protein released.

Infections disrupt the smooth flow of metabolic processes and cause inflammation. In the second half of gestation, protein loss occurs due to compression of the kidneys by the enlarged uterus. Proteinuria is also caused by some antibiotics and sulfonamides. With their course use, the excretion of protein in the urine increases.

All of the above conditions are temporary, and if their influence is removed, the filtration function of the kidneys is restored independently or with a slight correction.

Pathological proteinuria is caused by the following diseases:

• diseases, tumors of the kidneys and genitourinary tract, conditions after operations on them;
• inflammatory processes of the excretory and genitourinary system (pyelonephritis, complicated by hydronephrosis, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis);
• diabetes mellitus;
• allergies;
• neurological diseases of varying complexity (concussion, epilepsy).

Frequent consumption of powder concentrate - protein - in excess of the established daily norm for muscle growth has an adverse effect on the growing heart muscle, disrupts water balance and manifests itself as proteinuria.

Classification

Based on the quantitative assessment of protein excreted in the urine, proteinuria is divided into types:

• microproteinuria (protein limits 0.033 g/day, traces and slightly higher) is restored without treatment;
• slight proteinuria (protein levels 0.3 g/day) means the presence of an acute inflammatory process;
• moderate proteinuria (protein determination 0.5–2.0 g/day) indicates necrotic processes in the renal structures, chronic inflammation and neoplasms;
• high proteinuria (characterized by the presence of 2.1–3.5 g/day) accompanies renal failure.

The level of protein in urine less than 0.033 g/day may appear at the end of treatment, during the rehabilitation period after any disease. This is due to the reaction of the kidneys to medications removed from the body.

The daily or morning portion must be taken in compliance with the rules of hygiene, violation of which can also lead to the diagnosis of microproteinuria in a urine test.

Symptoms

The cause of pathologically elevated protein in the urine affects the nature of the symptoms. Depending on it, the manifestations may be supplemented by some specific complaints. More often, protein serves as a sign of urological diseases, which are accompanied by pain in the lumbar region of varying intensity and surges in blood pressure.

Common features of renal pathology are the following manifestations:

• increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• causeless dizziness;
• sleep disorders;
• pale skin, weakness, apathy;
• swelling;
• convulsive painful muscle contractions;
• painful sensations in the bones and joints (may signal the development of myeloma - a malignant lesion of the bone marrow);
• signs of fever (chills, clammy sweat, headache);
• blood test shows anemia;
• turbidity, flakes, change in urine color.

Often in men, the symptoms are smoothed out, they do not concentrate on weakness and pallor, so they go to the doctor for another reason, and upon examination they reveal proteinuria. Protein in the urine of men does not always indicate the onset or development of the disease; it can get there with prostatic secretions. This is due to the anatomical union of the urinary and reproductive canals.

If necessary, to clarify the data, urine can be collected, which is injected directly into the bladder. If repeated analysis with a sterile catheter confirms the presence of protein in men, it is necessary to exclude physiological factors (sports overload, protein consumption) and begin a detailed examination.

Methods for determining protein in urine

If protein is detected once in a urine test, additional diagnostics are required.

1. Repeat clinical urine test.
2. Take a detailed history (complaints) to exclude physiological causes and recent operations or illnesses.
3. In women, avoid getting protein through menstrual flow.

Further methods for identifying protein in urine are necessary to study the resulting pathologies:

• 24-hour urine test;
• biuret method (color reaction of centrifuged urine sediment);
• checking with test indicator paper (pH);
• urine examination with a photocolorimeter (an optical device for measuring the concentration of a solution);
• unified method (adding nitric acid to urine: if there is protein, the reagent causes the appearance of a white ring, the time interval of which indicates the concentration of protein);
• unified test with sulfosalicylic acid (when acid is added, the protein causes severe turbidity);
• if malignant neoplasms are suspected, a urine test is performed using the Bence-Jones method.

The results of express diagnostics using a test strip and laboratory tests are confirmed by X-ray control and computed tomography. To identify pathologies, blood tests and other detailed examinations specific to each individual case are prescribed.

Treatment

Treatment of proteinuria is based on eliminating the underlying cause and restoring healthy kidney function. Physiological causes do not require drug treatment - to eliminate them, it is enough to reduce physical activity, limit the consumption of natural proteins, meat broths, dairy products, eggs, drink soothing herbal teas, herbal decoctions, and walk in the fresh air.

If the protein level increases during pregnancy, constant monitoring by a doctor is necessary. Ultrasound examinations and blood tests will help monitor the growth and development of the child until the moment of birth. A pregnant woman can be treated with pharmaceuticals only according to strict indications, in critical situations, with high blood pressure.

Pathologies caused by inflammatory processes require a clear gradation, an understanding of where exactly and in what area the pathological focus arose. After diagnosis, it is treated with antibacterial agents. Nephroprotectors are prescribed simultaneously with these drugs:

• ACE inhibitors;
• calcium channel blockers (drugs that reduce channel permeability);
• angiotensin receptor blockers.

If the cause of proteinuria is tumor processes or metastases, for each specific case the doctor selects a treatment regimen aimed at the root cause. This treatment reduces protein levels in the urine.

Conclusion

If you detect protein in a urine test of an adult or child, you need to react immediately and make an appointment with your family doctor, general practitioner, urologist, or nephrologist. Any of these doctors can help at the initial stage of diagnosis and refer you to a more specialized specialist based on test results.

Cloudy urine seems like a minor problem, but it can be the first signal of dangerous pathologies. Only timely medical care will stop the development of serious pathology.

From the article you will learn about protein in the urine, what it means in women, is it normal, and how to treat it. Proteins (proteins) are a necessary component of all living structures. They provide structural function, metabolic processes, are catalysts for many biochemical reactions, and also carry out the transport of other molecules.

Determining the level of protein in urine is the first step in diagnosing kidney pathologies. In addition, analysis is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the chosen treatment tactics.

Total protein in urine is a laboratory analysis that allows one to identify kidney pathologies at an early stage with a high degree of reliability, as well as diagnose secondary damage to the glomerular apparatus in chronic diseases.

In a healthy person, a small amount of protein molecules is excreted in the urine due to the presence of a filtration mechanism in the glomeruli of the kidneys. The filter is capable of preventing the reverse diffusion of large charged molecules into the primary filtrate. It is known that small molecules of peptides (molecular weight up to 20 kDa) are able to freely penetrate through the filtration mechanism, and high molecular weight albumin (65 kDa) is retained by them.

The presence of protein in the urine is a signal to prescribe an additional extended examination of the patient. This fact is due to the fact that normally the overwhelming concentration of peptide molecules is reabsorbed into the bloodstream in the convoluted tubules of the kidneys. In this case, only a small amount is excreted along with urine. About 20% of the total number of released peptides are low molecular weight antibodies (immunoglobulins), while 40% are albumins and mucoproteins.

Why is the analysis prescribed?

A referral for analysis to determine total protein in the urine can be prescribed by a general practitioner, nephrologist, endocrinologist or cardiologist. It is used for the following purposes:

• early diagnosis of pathological conditions of the kidneys (focal sclerosing glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis or dystrophic kidney damage);
• diagnosis of cardiovascular pathologies;
• differential diagnosis of the causes of edema;
• identifying disturbances in the normal functioning of the kidneys due to diabetes mellitus, Libman-Sachs disease, as well as amyloid dystrophy;
• determining the likelihood of developing chronic kidney failure;
• assessing the effectiveness of the selected drug treatment tactics and preventing the development of recurrent pathologies.

Who can get the test?

The study is prescribed for patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as for symptoms of kidney failure:

• excessive swelling of the lower extremities or face;
• accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity;
• unexplained weight gain;
• persistently high blood pressure for a long time;
• blood when urinating;
• a sharp decrease in the amount of urine excreted per day;
• increased drowsiness and decreased performance.

In addition, the normal level of protein in urine in men and women should be determined during a routine annual examination. The analysis is of particular importance for patients at risk: age over 50 years, smoking and alcohol abuse, as well as the presence of aggravating factors in the family history.

Table of norms for protein in urine in women by age

Important: the data presented is for informational purposes only and is not sufficient to make a final diagnosis.

Only the attending physician has the right to decipher the results of the study, who determines the diagnosis and prescribes appropriate treatment based on the patient’s general medical history, as well as data from other laboratory tests and instrumental studies.

The standard units of measurement are mg/day; however, some laboratories use g/day. Units of measurement are converted using the formula: g/day*1000= mg/day.

It should be noted that when selecting reference (normal) values, the gender and age of the patient should be taken into account.

The table shows acceptable protein concentrations in urine in healthy women, selected according to age.

It has been established that after intense strength training, an increased protein content in the urine is recorded, the value of which reaches 250 mg/day. However, the concentration of the parameter under consideration should return to the reference values ​​within 1 day.

Normal level of protein in urine in men

Normally, protein in the urine of men, as well as women, should be either completely absent or present in trace amounts. The maximum permissible values ​​are 150 mg/day.

Proteinuria – pathology or normal?

Proteinuria is a condition in which a patient has increased protein in the urine. In the vast majority of cases, this condition does not relate to pathologies, but is a variant of the norm or the result of improper preparation of the patient for the donation of biomaterial (physical or emotional fatigue, acute stage of an infectious process, or dehydration).

Elevated protein is diagnosed in approximately 20% of the healthy population. In this case, proteinuria is considered normal. In only 2% this condition is the cause of serious pathology. With benign proteinuria, protein in the urine in men and women is recorded at a concentration of 200 mg per day or less.

Orthostatic proteinuria

Separately, there is orthostatic proteinuria - a condition characterized by an increased concentration of total protein only after prolonged walking or being in a horizontal static position. This fact explains the discrepancy in results in the presence of orthostatic proteinuria: positive when examining daily urine and negative when diagnosing a single portion. According to statistics, this condition occurs in 5% of the population under 30 years of age.

Increased protein in the urine can also be found as a result of its active synthesis in the human body, which leads to the need to enhance filtration processes by the kidneys. In this case, there is an excess of the possibility of reabsorption of protein molecules in the renal tubules and their diffusion into the urine. This condition is also a variant of the norm.

The exception is situations when not low-molecular-weight organic peptides are detected, but specific molecules, for example, Bence-Jones protein. It is known that the sensitivity of the method is not enough to determine the concentration of this protein. If there is a suspicion of a malignant lesion of epithelial tissue (myeloma), it is necessary to undergo a urine screening test for Bence Jones protein.

When is proteinuria a pathology?

A condition characterized by an increase in protein in the urine over a long period of time accompanies various pathologies of the urinary organs. Depending on the mechanism of occurrence, it is customary to divide proteinuria into:

• glomerular, which occurs against the background of a violation of the integrity of the basement membrane of the renal glomeruli. It is known that the basement membrane acts as a natural barrier that prevents the diffusion of large molecules with a charge, and when it is damaged, there is a free flow of proteins into the urine. This condition can be an independent pathology or occur as a consequence of an underlying disease, for example, diabetes mellitus (from 30 to 500 mg of protein per day). Another cause of glomerular proteinuria is the use of medications;
• tubular - the result of a disorder in the process of reabsorption of substances in the renal tubules. In this case, a lower protein level is recorded in urine analysis (no more than 200 mg per day) compared to the glomerular type. The most common cause of this condition is a complication of hypertension.

Other reasons for exceeding the norm

The reasons for increased protein in the urine in men and women are also:

• infection of the urinary system by pathogenic microorganisms, for example, cystitis or urethritis;
• bladder oncology;
• vulvitis, vaginitis, etc.
• chronic heart failure;
• inflammation of the inner lining of the heart;
• extensive injuries;
• intestinal obstruction.

Preparing for analysis

The reliability of the results obtained by the patient primarily depends on his preparation for the test. The material for the study is a single portion of morning urine. Or all the urine collected by the patient himself during the day.

Before collecting biomaterial, you should avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before. As well as fatty and smoked dishes. You must stop using diuretics within 48 hours. And for women, collect biomaterial 2 days after or before menstruation.

How to reduce protein in urine?

In order for increased protein in the urine in men, women and children to return to normal values, it is necessary to first establish the reason for its deviation from the norm. False-positive results indicating proteinuria are often detected in the morning portion of biomaterial in the analysis for the criterion in question. That is why, if an abnormality in protein in the urine is detected, a repeat test is prescribed.

Depending on the initial cause, appropriate treatment for protein in the urine is prescribed. In the case of an infectious disease, it is necessary to determine the type of pathogenic microorganism that provoked it. After this, a test is carried out to determine the sensitivity of the isolated species of bacteria to various groups of antibiotics. The most effective antibacterial drugs are prescribed to the patient.

In the case of arterial hypertension, medications that lower blood pressure are selected, and in the case of cancer pathologies, a course of chemotherapy is determined.

Diet for high protein in urine

One of the key points in treatment is quitting smoking and alcohol. As well as diet. Patients are recommended:

• limit the amount of salt consumed to 2 g per day;
• exclude meat and fish in order to reduce protein intake;
• drink no more than 1 liter of liquid per day (including juices, soups, tea);
• consume rice dishes and fermented milk products with a low percentage of fat, as well as raw and steamed vegetables;
• give preference to rosehip tea and currant fruit drinks.

Protein in urine - treatment with folk remedies

Important: traditional medicine methods cannot act as the main treatment for high levels of proteins in the urine.

The priority treatment should remain the one prescribed by the attending physician from the methods of official medicine. This fact is argued by the fact that herbal decoctions and infusions are not effective enough to completely cure the underlying disease. They can only have an auxiliary effect and enhance the effect of certain medications.

Bee products have a positive effect on the immune system due to their pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they are able to strengthen the wall of blood vessels and serve as a source of vitamins. In consultation with a doctor, it is permissible to use alcohol and water decoctions based on propolis. The limitation for use is individual intolerance to bee waste products. You should also consume a large amount of fresh berries and fruit drinks based on them.

It is important to understand that when treated with folk remedies, the level of protein in the urine of men and women is not immediately restored. The minimum duration of the course should be 3-4 weeks.

conclusions

Thus, to summarize, it is necessary to highlight the important points:

• Normally, protein in the urine of men, women and children is completely absent. Or its concentration does not exceed 150 mg per day;
• the presence of proteins in the analysis is not always a signal of pathology. However, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination in order to determine the cause;
• if protein and leukocytes are detected in the urine, then additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed. The cause may be an infectious disease or cancer;
• The sensitivity of the method is not enough to diagnose Bence Jones protein, which is a marker of oncology of the urinary organs.

Author of many scientific publications.