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Proteins are involved in all cellular processes, due to which cellular structures are partly formed. These are high-molecular structures that are part of enzymes called enzymes, with the help of which all biological and chemical processes in the body of each person function better.
For any disease, a urine test is performed, the protein content is determined, the level of which indicates signs of pathology. Protein can be present in small amounts in the urine of perfectly healthy people. The normal, acceptable amount of protein in morning urine should be 0,033 g/l.
Causes of increased protein in the urine
Urine should not contain protein. In healthy people, an increase in protein is caused by intense physical exertion, hypothermia, and nervous tension. Those who have suffered colds and infectious diseases, various types of allergies, absolutely fall into the category of patients with high levels of protein in the urine. Immediately after birth, children also experience a slight increase in protein.
Proteinuria is the term for high levels of protein in the urine. It can be a consequence of diseases of the kidneys and organs that form, accumulate and excrete urine. A small concentration of protein is observed after eating, such as raw eggs, raw milk and other protein-rich foods. In pregnant women, protein enters the urine as a result of mechanical compression of the kidneys by the enlarging uterus.
His constant presence should cause concern, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the woman. The kidney filter does not allow proteins that have large molecules to pass through; if the glomeruli (filters) or tubules of the kidneys are damaged, the protein can still enter the urine.
The cause of protein in the urine is often infection and tumors in the kidneys and urinary tract, concussions and epilepsy. Allocate physiological albuminuria that occurs with various non-pathological changes in the body.
There is a working proteinuria – after heavy physical exertion and alimentary proteinuria, caused by excessive protein intake. Postural causes a long position of the body in an upright position.
Emotional proteinuria is from stress, after palpation of the kidneys during a medical examination – palpation. As a result of pathological processes, pathological albuminuria develops.
Proteinuria can be:
easy – 1 g / day. (suspicion of urolithiasis, interstitial nephritis);
moderate – from 1 to 3 g / day. (suspicion of glomerular nephritis);
heavy – 3 g / day. (suspicion of glomerular nephritis, nephrosis, amyloidosis).
Symptoms of an increase in protein in the urine
Increased protein in the urine is a symptom of urological diseases. As a rule, the appearance of a small amount of protein is not accompanied by pronounced manifestations, but in some cases, symptoms of an increase in protein are expressed by bone pain (multiple myeloma), fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness. A change in the composition of urine is indicated by its color, its whitish hue is a sign of the presence of albumin.
In nephropathy, protein accumulates in the fingers and toes. Typically, a sign of inflammation and high protein is chills and fever.
Methods for determining protein in urine
Proteinuria is detected after passing a urine test for the presence of protein. Take into account the molecular weight of the protein, which is used to judge the throughput of the kidneys. A low molecular weight of albumin means that the kidney tissue is less affected, and vice versa, a high molecular weight is a sign of severe ailments. According to the results of the analysis, if there are high levels of protein and leukocytes in the urine, then they indicate an inflammatory process, and if there is protein and erythrocytes, an injury in the urinary system.
There are many methods for examining urine for the presence of protein, the doctor in each case determines which method is more effective:
1. Unified sample with sulfosalicylic acid.
2. Unified Brandberg-Roberts-Stolnikov method
3. Special equipment – photoelectric colorimeter.
4. Biuret method.
5. Indicator paper.
6. Bence-Jones method.
7. Method for determining the products of protein breakdown (albumosis).
Treatment and prevention
The main task of any person is to pay attention in time to their well-being, to the changes that occur to him, to the quantity and quality of urine, and not to postpone visiting the doctor for a long time. First of all, it is necessary to find out the root cause of the appearance of protein in the urine, then choose a method of treatment and eliminate the problem. This can be, for example, arterial hypertension or diabetes.
If we are talking about diabetes, then in addition to special means, the doctor will recommend a diet. As for hypertension, it is important to regularly monitor blood pressure, take medication, reduce sugar, salt and protein intake. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, congenital anomalies of the kidney or other systemic disease, then you definitely need regular follow-up with a nephrologist.