Causes of high ketones and high protein in urine
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
Elevated ketones and protein in urine may be related to physiological or pathological causes. Conditions such as infectious diseases (e.g., pneumonia, typhoid fever, sepsis, tuberculosis), severe vomiting, diarrhea, prolonged fasting, and general anesthesia can lead to increased ketone levels. Symptomatic treatment should be provided according to the underlying cause. Patients are advised to limit sugar intake during illness to avoid worsening of the condition and delayed recovery.
Elevated ketones and protein in urine may be related to either physiological or pathological causes.
I. Ketones
1. Physiological factors
When carbohydrate intake is insufficient, the body increases fat metabolism and oxidative reactions, leading to elevated ketone levels. This can occur during fasting, intense physical exercise, etc. Symptoms usually resolve gradually after appropriate food intake and rest.
2. Pathological factors
Elevated ketones may also appear in infectious diseases such as pneumonia, typhoid fever, sepsis, tuberculosis, as well as in cases of severe vomiting, diarrhea, prolonged fasting, or after general anesthesia. Symptomatic treatment should be provided based on the underlying cause.
II. Protein in Urine (Proteinuria)
1. Physiological factors
Emotional stress, extreme cold or heat exposure, strenuous physical labor, or high-protein diet may temporarily increase protein levels in urine. No special treatment is required; proteinuria typically resolves spontaneously after rest.
2. Pathological factors
In kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis, hypertensive kidney damage, or lupus nephritis, pathological changes impair the kidney's filtration function, allowing proteins to leak into the urine, resulting in proteinuria. This leads to elevated protein levels in urinalysis, requiring treatment directed at the underlying cause.
It is recommended that patients limit sugar intake during illness to avoid worsening of the condition and delayed recovery.
