Main Factors Contributing to Proteinuria
Proteinuria, or excess protein in urine, can signal kidney issues or other health conditions. Causes include infections, chronic diseases, medications, and autoimmune disorders. Temporary increases may occur due to exercise or stress. Persistent high levels require medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing the underlying causes helps in managing and preventing potential kidney damage and other complications.
Main Factors Contributing to Proteinuria
Protein presence in urine, known as proteinuria, indicates excess proteins in a person's urine sample. Detecting protein levels during urine testing is crucial for diagnosis. Small amounts of protein in urine can be normal, especially after physical activity or illness in younger individuals. The kidneys normally filter waste while retaining vital proteins in the bloodstream.
In some health conditions, kidney filters may leak proteins, increasing their levels in urine. Temporary spikes can result from dehydration, stress, cold exposure, or fever. Intense exercise can also cause transient elevations, which aren't always signs of kidney problems.
- Amyloidosis: Abnormal protein deposits build up in organs.
- Medication use: Certain drugs, like NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories, can disrupt protein balance and increase urine protein.
- Chronic kidney disease: Commonly causes impaired filtering, resulting in protein leakage.
- Diabetes: Affects urine composition and may lead to proteinuria.
- Endocarditis: Infection of the heart's inner lining can influence kidney function.
- IgA nephropathy: Also called Berger’s disease, this causes kidney inflammation due to antibody buildup, leading to higher urinary protein levels.
- Kidney infections: Conditions like pyelonephritis impact protein leakage.
- Malaria: Changes blood chemistry and can affect kidneys.
- Nephrotic syndrome: Severe damage to kidney filtration structures causes significant protein loss.
- Orthostatic proteinuria: Elevated urine protein levels occur when standing upright.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An inflammatory joint disease that can elevate urine protein levels.
