Kidney Disease and Protein Loss in Urine

Protein in urine is the most common abnormality in routine urine test. Some people are so scared and wondered weather they have kidney disease or not.

First we need to know not all protein loss in urine is pathological. There are two kinds of proteinuria in clinic---physiological and pathological proteinuria. Therefore do not be so alarmed once found there is protein in urine. But more attention should be paid and early diagnosis is recommended to make clear the underlying cause as soon as possible.

Some physiological factors do cause proteinuria such as strenuous activities, fever, high temperature, catching cold, mental nervousness, etc.

However if it is confirmed to be pathological proteinuria, it means renal damages. There can be trace proteinuria, small amount of proteinuria and massive proteinuria according to the amount of protein in urine.

Massive proteinuria might be related with glomerulonephritis and small amount of proteinuria is often accompanied by increased night urination or positive urine sugar. As for trace proteinuria, there are many causes such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, smoking, high-sodium diets, etc. High blood pressure and high blood sugar are the most common and important risk factors.

Protein in urine is not only an abnormality, but also will in turn worsen kidney functions. It is regarded as an independent marker for worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. Large amount of clinical data have shown that the prognosis for nephrotic syndrome is poor in case of persistent proteinuria. The relief of proteinuria, weather spontaneously or through treatments can help improve survival rate. Therefore early diagnosis and timely treatment is very necessary for preventing and slowing down renal damages, reducing cerebrovascular complications and improving life quality.

ACEI (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) can help alleviate protein loss in urine and at the same time have the functions of reducing blood pressure, slowing down illness progression of kidney diseases and protecting kidney functions.