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What are the causes of low total protein and low globulin?

Nov 23, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Low levels of total protein and globulin may be caused by conditions such as malnutrition, chronic hepatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, and cirrhosis. If a patient has persistently low total protein and globulin levels over an extended period, timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are necessary. During this time, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits can help improve symptoms.

Low total protein and globulin levels may be caused by conditions such as malnutrition, chronic hepatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, and cirrhosis.

1. Malnutrition

When malnutrition occurs, the body may begin breaking down proteins from muscles and other tissues to obtain additional energy and nutrients, which can lead to decreased plasma protein levels. Improving dietary habits and consuming more nutrient-rich and high-protein foods is usually recommended to help alleviate symptoms.

2. Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic inflammatory infection of the liver can damage liver tissue. When the liver is unable to effectively synthesize sufficient proteins, albumin and globulin levels in the body may gradually decline. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as glutathione tablets, silybin capsules, and entecavir dispersible tablets to protect the liver and relieve symptoms.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This condition may cause lung inflammation and airway narrowing, leading to immune system activation and excessive release of inflammatory mediators. This imbalance between protein synthesis and breakdown may result in reduced globulin levels. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as salbutamol sulfate tablets, terbutaline sulfate tablets, and acetylcysteine granules to improve symptoms.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Systemic inflammatory responses may cause albumin to leak from the bloodstream into tissues, resulting in loss of plasma albumin and decreased albumin levels. It is recommended to take anti-rheumatic medications such as methotrexate tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, and leflunomide tablets under the guidance of a physician to help improve symptoms.

5. Cirrhosis

The liver is the primary organ responsible for synthesizing albumin and globulin. When normal liver function is impaired, its ability to produce proteins is significantly reduced, leading to decreased levels of total protein and globulin. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take hepatoprotective medications such as diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules, ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules to improve symptoms.

If a patient's total protein and globulin levels remain low for an extended period, timely medical evaluation and treatment are necessary. Maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits during this time can also help improve symptoms.


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