Understanding Proteinuria
Proteinuria is sometimes referred to as albuminuria because it is caused by having the protein albumin in your urine. Albumin is an important protein for building muscle, repairing tissue, and fighting infections. It’s found in the blood, but if it’s present in the urine, it causes proteinuria and requires treatment from a nephrologist.
Proteinuria is not considered a separate disease, but rather a symptom of other types of kidney disease. It can be chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term), depending on the cause. Effective treatment for proteinuria involves not only treating the symptom, but identifying and treating the underlying cause. Many patients with proteinuria may not notice any symptoms, so getting regular lab checks is critically important.
Signs
- Foamy urine
- Puffiness in eyes, especially in the morning
- Frequent urination
- Swelling of feet, ankles, stomach, or face
Causes
For acute (short-term) proteinuria:
- Dehydration
- High-intensity exercise
- Fever
- Infection
- Heart failure
For chronic (long-term) proteinuria:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Glomerular disease
Treatment Options
Treatment options for proteinuria depend on identifying the cause and severity of the condition, which is why expert nephrological expertise is so important.
Common treatment options for acute proteinuria typically include lifestyle modifications and medication, including ACE inhibitors or statins. If kidney function is severely damaged, dialysis or transplant may be necessary. For chronic proteinuria, treatment will also include addressing the underlying disease, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Whether acute or chronic, our specialized nephrologists will develop a personalized plan for your proteinuria and its underlying condition. Every step of the way, you’ll be guided through our continuum of care by our expert nephrology team using the most advanced technology.
How We Help
At KidneyCare Oklahoma, our treatment doesn’t stop when you leave our clinic. As your trusted partner in kidney health, we provide ongoing support, including medication (if needed), monitoring, and education.