Proteinuria – diagnosis and treatment at OpenMed Warsaw
See also: Nephrology, Laboratory tests, Kidney stones, Leg swelling, Elevated creatinine.
Protein in the urine (proteinuria) is one of the most common abnormal findings in a general urinalysis. In small amounts it may appear temporarily, for example after intense exercise or during an infection. However, if it persists, it may indicate kidney disease requiring a nephrology consultation. If you have received a test result showing protein in the urine and are looking for a nephrology consultation in Warsaw, we invite you to OpenMed.
Protein appears in the urine when the kidney's filtration structures, the glomeruli, fail to properly retain proteins present in the blood. In some cases the cause is kidney inflammation, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension or autoimmune conditions.
Proteinuria diagnostics at OpenMed
Diagnostics begin with a nephrology consultation and analysis of laboratory test results. The doctor assesses not only the protein level in the urine but also kidney function parameters in blood tests, such as creatinine and eGFR.
Depending on the clinical situation, additional tests are performed, including:
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general urinalysis and 24-hour urine collection,
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blood tests assessing kidney function,
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kidney and urinary tract ultrasound.
Thorough diagnostics make it possible to determine whether proteinuria is temporary or related to a disease requiring treatment.
Treatment of proteinuria
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In many cases the key is controlling underlying conditions such as arterial hypertension or diabetes.
Pharmacological treatment is also used to help reduce protein loss in the urine and protect the kidneys from further damage.
Lifestyle modifications are also important, including weight management, an appropriate diet and regular monitoring of kidney function.
Symptoms associated with proteinuria
In many cases protein in the urine does not cause noticeable symptoms and is detected incidentally during laboratory tests. When kidney dysfunction is more advanced, the following may appear:
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leg or eyelid swelling,
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foamy urine,
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fatigue,
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elevated blood pressure,
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reduced urine output.
If protein in the urine persists in subsequent tests, diagnostics for kidney disease are necessary.
Kidney disease prevention
Regular blood and urine tests allow abnormalities to be detected at an early stage. Early diagnostics enable the implementation of treatment that can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease.
If protein has been found in your urine, it is worth consulting the result with a nephrologist.
FAQ – proteinuria
1. Does protein in the urine always mean kidney disease? Not always. Sometimes it appears temporarily, for example after intense exercise or an infection.
2. Can proteinuria be cured? In many cases it is possible to reduce proteinuria by treating the underlying condition.
3. What tests are performed for proteinuria? Most commonly blood tests, urinalysis and kidney ultrasound.
4. Which doctor should I see for proteinuria in Warsaw? It is best to start with a nephrology consultation. At OpenMed in Warsaw we help determine the cause of the condition and plan treatment.