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Proteinuria Specialist

Metro Renal Associates Our Services Proteinuria

Metro Renal Associates

Nephrologists located in Washington, DC & Capitol Heights, MD

Proteinuria, or the abnormal presence of protein in your urine, is an early indicator of kidney disease and can lead to a variety of health issues, including eventual renal failure. At Metro Renal Associates in Washington, DC, the expert team can quickly diagnose any urine abnormalities and provide an effective treatment plan. Since proteinuria doesn’t often cause symptoms early on, it’s important to get regular checkups if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions that can lead to proteinuria. To learn more, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

Proteinuria Q & A

What is proteinuria?

Proteinuria is the abnormal presence of proteins in your urine. Generally, your kidney filters out most kinds of protein before they can enter your urine. However, if your kidneys become damaged for some reason, they become less able to filter out these proteins.


What are the symptoms of proteinuria?

Early cases of proteinuria usually present no symptoms. In fact, the only way to know if you have proteinuria in the early stages of kidney damage is with a urinalysis.

As your kidneys become more damaged, you might start noticing symptoms of proteinuria. One of the most telling symptoms is a frothy or foamy appearance to your urine when you go to the bathroom. Proteinuria can also cause swelling throughout your body, particularly in your hands, feet, face, and abdomen.


What causes proteinuria?

Anyone who experiences kidney damage is at risk for developing proteinuria. The most common culprits for kidney damage include diabetes, high blood pressure, and immune system disorders that affect the kidney.

Other risk factors include:

  • A family history of kidney disease
  • Preeclampsia
  • Being older than 65
  • Obesity
  • Being African-American, Native American, Hispanic, or a Pacific Islander


Less common causes of proteinuria can include medications that damage your kidneys, traumatic injuries, or infections. Left untreated, the conditions that cause proteinuria often lead to renal failure.


How is proteinuria treated?

How the team at Metro Renal Associates treats your proteinuria depends on the underlying cause of your condition. If diabetes or high blood pressure are affecting your kidneys, the team starts treatment on those conditions right away to control and prevent further damage.

They might prescribe medication for some cases of proteinuria, including ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). These help lower blood pressure and raise blood flow.

For mild or temporary cases of proteinuria, such as those caused by an injury, you might not require medical treatment, and the team at Metro Renal Associates simply monitors your condition.

Are you experiencing symptoms of proteinuria, or does kidney disease run in your family? If so, let the team at Metro Renal Associates help. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

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