How Is Nephrotic Syndrome Treated
There is no cure for nephrotic syndrome, but your doctor might tell you to take certain medicines to treat the symptoms and to keep the damage to your kidneys from getting worse. Talk with your doctor or a member of your dialysis care team about your medication options. They may prescribe:
Talk To Your Doctor About Medicine
There are many safe and effective medicines to help when you are struggling with mental health issues. Medicines help manage your symptoms. There are many medicines available, but the most common are:
- Antidepressants: treat depression, but can also treat anxiety and other conditions
- Anti-anxiety: treat anxiety disorders
A mental health provider will work with you to figure out which medicine is best. Some medicines may interact with your treatment for kidney disease. It is important to work closely with your mental health provider and kidney doctor to make sure you are on the best medicine to treat your condition.
“Persevere, don’t give up, and seek help. If the first person you go to doesn’t give you the help you need, look for someone elsedon’t stop until you feel you get the help that you need.”
-Person living with kidney disease
Normal Protein Levels In Urine
Normally, negligible amount of protein is present in urine. Read on to know the causes of high protein in urine. The article also explains how to lower protein in urine. Scroll down.
Normally, negligible amount of protein is present in urine. Read on to know the causes of high protein in urine. The article also explains how to lower protein in urine. Scroll down.
To measure the amount of protein in urine, a random sample and/or a 24-hour urine sample is used. The test that helps measure the protein content of urine is known as dipstick test. Presence of a protein like albumin in urine mainly indicates kidney problem. This condition is known as proteinuria or albuminuria or urine albumin. Albumin is actually abundantly present in blood. Proteins, the building blocks of the body are necessary to strengthen the cellular function, muscles, bones, hair and nails. Proteins strengthen the immune system and help keep away diseases. Losing protein through urine can lead to several health complications.
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When Is It Ordered
A dipstick urine protein is measured frequently as a screening test whenever a urinalysis is performed. This may be done as part of a routine physical, a pregnancy workup, when a urinary tract infection is suspected, as part of a hospital admission, or whenever a healthcare practitioner wants to evaluate kidney function. Repeat testing may also be done when a previous dipstick has been positive for protein to see if the protein persists.
Specifically for monitoring people with possible kidney dysfunction, the National Kidney Foundation has established a 5-step plan for chronic kidney disease evaluation and referral using random urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio , rather than random UPCR, to screen for and determine the prognosis of CKD, for urine protein is more difficult to standardize.
A 24-hour urine protein may be ordered as a follow-up test, especially in pregnant women with a high pre-screen risk of preeclampsia, when the dipstick test shows that there is a large quantity of protein present in the urine or when protein is shown to be persistently present.
Since the dipstick primarily measures albumin, the health care practitioner may order a 24-hour urine protein test even when there is little protein detected on the dipstick if the practitioner suspects that there may be proteins other than albumin being released.
Testing For Protein In Urine
The only way to diagnose proteinuria is through a urine test, which measures the amount of protein in your urine.
The test takes place in a doctors office. During the procedure, you urinate into a specimen cup. The doctor places a dipstick, or a small plastic stick coated with chemicals, into the urine sample. If it has too much protein, the stick will change color.
The rest of the urine will be sent to a lab, where it will be examined under a microscope.
If the doctor thinks you have kidney concerns, theyll repeat the urine test three times in 3 months. This helps them rule out temporary causes of proteinuria.
A doctor might also use the following tests to determine whats causing your proteinuria:
- 24-hour urine protein test. In this test, the doctor collects multiple urine samples over 1 day and sends them to a lab.
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The Best And Worse Foods To Eat In A Type 2 Diabetes Diet
Diabetes and hypertension are the top causes of kidney disease, so if you have these conditions, your treatment will include getting these under control. For diabetics, this can include managing blood sugar, taking medication, eating healthy, and exercising.
For people with hypertension, doctors may recommend medication as well as diet and lifestyle changes. People with hypertension and proteinuria are also advised that they should keep their blood pressure below 130/80 millimeters of mercury .
People with diabetes and kidney disease or hypertension and kidney disease are often prescribed medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers . These medications may also be prescribed to people with kidney disease who do not have diabetes or hypertension.
If kidney damage is permanent, patients may also require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Protein In Urine Normal Range
The protein in urine normal range is calculated in milligrams per deciliter. Protein in urine normal range is set at 20 mg/dL as the upper limit. The sample for urinalysis is collected randomly or at a time agreed on with your doctor. For better diagnostics, a doctor may order samples to be collected over a period of a day for the 24-hour proteinuria test. The 24 hour urine protein normal range is 80mg/dl in the lower limit.
From random samples and simple testing, it is possible to tell if there are proteins in urine. Though it does not give accurate measurements of the levels of each protein type, the protein in urine 1+ reporting system for proteinuria tests is still in wide use.
There are two tests for identifying proteinuria. They are the 24-hour urine test and the Spot urinalysis. One collects samples over a period of 24 hours while the other utilizes a randomly collected sample. If a randomly collected sample shows a problem with the levels of protein in your urine, your doctor may want you to have the 24-hour urine test.
Results from testing for proteinuria are classified into 24-hour urine analysis results and spot urine results. A further reading centred on the ration of albumin to creatinine is made from analyzing your urine in the laboratory. The 24 hour urine protein creatinine ratio must not exceed 0.15.
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What Causes Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome happens when you have a disease that damages the filters in your kidneys causes them to not work as they should. There are primary and secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome.
Primary causes of nephrotic syndrome are diseases that affect only the kidneys.
The most common primary cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults is a disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis . The only way to know for sure whether you have FSGS is to get a kidney biopsy. Even when treated, most people with FSGS will eventually develop kidney failure and will need to start dialysis or have a kidney transplant to live. After transplant, there is still a chance that FSGS will return and that you may lose your new kidney.
In children, the most common primary cause of nephrotic syndrome is minimal change disease.
Secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome are diseases that affect the whole body, including the kidneys.
Most of the time, nephrotic syndrome happens because of secondary causes. The most common secondary cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults is diabetes.
The most common secondary cause of nephrotic syndrome in children is diabetes.
What Do The Urine Protein Test Results Mean
Theres a range of test results that can indicate normal kidney function. Your healthcare provider will discuss the ranges with you and tell you about your specific results. High values might mean that theres kidney disease or damage. If your test result shows a high level of protein or albumin, its likely that your provider will repeat the test.
If your second test is also high, your healthcare provider may order additional tests to further check your kidney function. When either diabetes or high blood pressure is the cause of the albuminuria, treatment of these problems may reduce albuminuria or its progression to kidney disease. Certain blood pressure medications inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers) are especially helpful at limiting kidney damage after micro-albuminuria or albuminuria has been found.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/23/2020.
References
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How Is A Urine Test Done
A simple urine test can be done in your doctor’s office. You will be asked to pee into a clean cup called a specimen cup. Only a small amount of your urine is needed to do the test. Some of the urine is tested right away with a dipstick a thin, plastic strip that is placed in the urine. The rest is examined under a microscope.
What Are The Symptoms Of Nephrotic Syndrome
You may not know that you have nephrotic syndrome until you have routine blood and urine testsat a doctor’s appointment. The results of your tests can show that you have too much protein in your urine, not enough protein in your blood, or too much fat or cholesterol in your blood.Signs of nephrotic syndrome that you may notice are:
- Swelling in your legs, feet, ankles and sometimes face and hands
- Not feeling hungry
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What Are The Symptoms Of Protein In Urine
When a person first begins to have kidney problems, they may not notice any symptoms. This is why a urine test can be essential to detect protein in the urine, which may indicate early signs of kidney disease.
In addition to proteinuria, symptoms of kidney disease can include:
- Foamy or frothy urine
- Trouble concentrating
If you are pregnant, protein in urine can also be a sign of preeclampsia, a very dangerous condition that can cause high blood pressure and lead to hospitalization. Additional signs of preeclampsia can include headaches, vision changes, abdominal pain, nausea, decreased urine output, and shortness of breath.
How Long Will I Have To Wait For A Transplant If I Need One
The process of getting listed for a kidney transplant often begins after you your evaluation. The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is three to five years. If you have a donor who is willing and able to give you a kidney, you can have your transplant as soon as both you and your donor are ready. Learn more about the kidney transplant waiting list and what you can do while you wait.
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What Happens If You Have Proteinuria
Protein gets into your pee if your kidneys arent working correctly.
Glomeruli are groups of tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. They perform the first stage of filtering waste products and excess water from your blood. The waste products and excess water leave your body through your pee. Glomeruli dont allow passage of larger proteins or blood cells into your pee. If smaller proteins sneak through your glomeruli, then long, thin tubes in your kidneys recover the proteins and keep them in your body.
Proteins may flow into your pee if theres:
- Damage to your glomeruli or tubules.
- A problem with the reabsorption process of the proteins.
Testing For Urine Protein
If your kidneys are functioning normally, you should have almost no detectable protein in your urine 2.Several common laboratory tests are used to check for proteinuria, including urine dipsticks for quick screening purposes, automated instruments for a more sensitive measurement of total protein and 24 hour urine collections to look for protein loss over time 12. Although results can vary somewhat between different laboratories, the amount of protein in a random sample of urine is normally less than 8 mg/dL and for a 24-hour collection, less than 150 mg total, according to MedlinePlus 2.
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Does Kidney Damage Go Away
In general, it does not. The goal is to detect kidney disease and damage early to minimize the damage and prolong kidney function. If the proteinuria detected is due to a kidney infection or urinary tract infection, the kidneys frequently will return to normal function as the infection resolves. If it is due to a medication, then in most cases the kidneys are likely to return to normal or near-normal function when the medication is stopped.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Pediatric Proteinuria
Your child may have no symptoms while in the earliest stages of proteinuria. As large amounts of protein move from the blood to the urine and out of the body, the following signs and symptoms may occur and may indicate progression of kidney disease.
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling , especially around the eyes and in the hands, feet, and belly
- Urine that appears to be foamy or bubbly because of large amounts of protein
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How The Test Is Performed
After you provide a urine sample, it is tested. The health care provider uses a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The color on the dipstick tells the provider the level of protein in your urine.
If needed, your provider may ask you to collect your urine at home over 24 hours. Your provider will tell you how to do this. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.
What Is Pediatric Proteinuria
Proteinuria is an excess if protein in your child’s urine. If your child has proteinuria, its often not serious. But sometimes, it can indicate a more serious problem with the kidneys. You should watch for any signs that your childs fluids seem out of balance and check with a doctor.
If proteinuria indicates a kidney disease, your doctor will refer your child to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in treating kidney diseases.
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Can I Get Nephrotic Syndrome Even After I Have A Transplant
Yes, you can get nephrotic syndrome even after your transplant. Remember, nephrotic syndrome is not a single disease. It is caused by different diseases that affect your kidneys. If you get a kidney transplant but do not treat the disease that is affecting your kidneys, the disease may continue to harm your new kidney.
What Is Normal Amount Of Protein In Urine
Your kidneys continuously filter your blood, excreting waste products while holding back proteins and other important molecules. Healthy kidneys normally allow almost no protein to be lost in the urine 2. Although protein in the urine, or proteinuria, is an important marker of disease, there are benign causes of proteinuria, as well 2.
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When Should I See My Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You pee more frequently than you usually do, or it hurts to pee.
- Your pee is foamy or bubbly.
- You feel nauseous or vomit.
- You feel dizzy, weak or lightheaded.
- You have any swelling or puffiness around your face, abdomen or lower body.
- Your symptoms dont improve after treatment.
Avoid Sugary Drinks And Alcohol
Sugar and alcohol are both waste products that increase the amount of protein in your urine. Try to avoid these products.
Eating more protein-rich foods like fish, eggs, dairy products, red meat, poultry, and soy products. You can also supplement your diet with a protein shake or bar, but check the ingredients to avoid allergens.
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Talk To Your Social Worker
Social workers can provide strategies to help you manage the challenges you are facing in your life. If your dialysis clinic has a social worker, they are the person you can turn to when you are struggling with mental health. Social workers are trained to connect you with the proper resources in your area. They are there to help you. Social workers also help communicate your mental health needs with your doctor.
What Causes Protein In The Urine
Healthy kidneys remove extra fluid and waste from your blood and transform it into urine. Healthy kidneys do not remove proteins and other important nutrients, which pass through and return to your blood. But when your kidneys are damaged, they may let this protein leak into your urine. This causes high levels of protein in your urine.
Anyone can have protein in their urine. You may be more likely to have protein in your urine if you have one or more of the risk factors for kidney disease. There are health problems that can cause long-lasting protein in the urine, and some that can cause short-term protein in the urine.
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Protein In Urine Symptoms
Most people who have proteinuria wonât notice any signs, especially in early or mild cases. Over time, as it gets worse, you might have symptoms including:
- Foamy or bubbly pee
- A family history of kidney disease
- African American, Native American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander descent
Some people get more protein into their urine while standing than while lying down. This condition is called orthostatic proteinuria.