What is proteinuria (protein in urine)?
Proteinuria is the abnormal excretion of proteins in the urine due to the kidneys’ inability to reabsorb proteins during the filtration process.
This occurs when the kidneys are damaged or harmed, allowing proteins such as albumin to pass into the urine.
Proteinuria is an early sign of kidney disease, which often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, routine urinalysis is recommended for early detection of this problem.
Causes of proteinuria (protein in urine)
Proteinuria occurs due to problems with kidney filtration or damage to the kidney tubules. Common causes include:
- Chronic kidney disease, such as glomerulonephritis or diabetes.
- Urinary tract infections, which may be accompanied by other symptoms.
- Chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure or preeclampsia.
- Dehydration or increased urine concentration, especially when the sample is taken in the morning.
- Fever or strenuous exercise, which causes temporary proteinuria.
- Childhood, where protein secretion is normal in the evening in children.
Groups most at risk of developing proteinuria
People who suffer from:
- diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Obesity.
- Advanced age (over 65 years).
- Having a family history of kidney disease.
Symptoms of proteinuria (protein in urine)
There are no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but it can be detected with a routine urine test.
However, if the amount of protein in the urine increases, the following symptoms may appear:
- Foamy urine due to high protein content.
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and face due to fluid imbalance in the body.
- Additional symptoms associated with the disease causing the proteinuria.
How to diagnose proteinuria?
Diagnosis aims to detect the problem early and determine its cause, and includes:
- Urine protein analysis: Detects the presence of any type of protein in the urine.
- Complete urinalysis: Determines levels of proteins and other important substances.
- Urine albumin test: This test measures the level of albumin in the urine and is often used in people with diabetes.
Berkeley Health Home Urine Albumin Test
For the first time in Saudi Arabia, you can easily perform a urine albumin test at home using the Berkeley Health test, a rapid and accurate home test.
Berkeley Health Test Features
- ✅ High European quality – Swiss made.
- ✅ Accurate results in just 5 minutes.
- ✅ Easy to use and does not require a lab visit.
- ✅ Available at a reasonable price in pharmacies.
How to use the Berkeley Health test
- Wash your hands well and dry them.
- Open the test pouch and remove the test strip.
- Collect the urine sample in a clean, dry container.
- Use a pipette to withdraw the sample.
- Place 3 drops of urine in the designated place on the test strip.
- Wait 5 minutes and then read the result.
Ask your pharmacist about the Berkeley Health test now and rest assured about your kidney health!
