Protein in the urine (proteinuria)

Overview

Healthy kidneys keep protein in the blood. Protein in urine can be an early sign of kidney damage.

Fever, hard exercise, and standing all day can cause short-term protein that's harmless.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Protein in the urine
• Foamy or bubbly urine

Less common

• Foamy urine

When to get medical care

Causes

Kidney damage.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Diabetes

Possible complications

• Chronic kidney disease

Diagnosis

Urine tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Urine albumin:

Treatment

Protect kidneys.

Self-care

• Control blood pressure and sugar
• Control blood pressure
• Control blood sugar
• Limit salt

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Yearly urine test with diabetes

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with diabetes or high blood pressure: Test yearly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Treatment can slow kidney damage.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need a kidney specialist?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Protein in the urine (proteinuria)