What does it mean if urine protein is weakly positive, and is it serious?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, weakly positive urine protein may be caused by strenuous exercise, mental stress, the growth period in adolescence, hypertension during pregnancy, nephritis, and other factors. Generally speaking, physiological factors are not serious. However, if it is caused by pathological factors such as hypertension or nephritis, the condition is more serious. If there are severe physical discomfort symptoms, timely medical attention is recommended.
Generally, trace amounts of protein in the urine may be caused by factors such as vigorous hormone secretion, intense physical activity, mental stress, nephritis, hypertension, and others. Physiological factors typically are not serious. However, if the condition is caused by pathological factors such as hypertension or nephritis, it may be more serious. If significant physical discomfort exists, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Vigorous Hormone Secretion
Adolescents during puberty experience vigorous secretion of growth hormones, which may be accompanied by extensive physical activity or fatigue from studying. These factors may increase the burden on the kidneys and cause symptoms of proteinuria. It is recommended to rest adequately, after which the condition usually resolves spontaneously.
2. Intense Physical Activity
Following intense exercise, renal vascular spasm or congestion may occur, increasing the permeability of the glomerular filtration membrane. This may cause proteins to leak into the urine, resulting in proteinuria. Usually, no specific treatment is required, and normal conditions typically resume after a period of rest.
3. Mental Stress
Mental stress may lead to endocrine dysfunction, thereby affecting the levels of certain hormones secreted in the body. Some hormones can influence kidney function, and either excessive or insufficient hormone levels may enlarge the filtration mesh of the renal tubules, preventing reabsorption of proteins. These proteins then pass into the urine, causing proteinuria. This condition also does not require specific treatment and typically returns to normal once the triggering factors are removed.
4. Nephritis
Nephritis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections. In the early stages of the disease, the glomerular filtration membrane may be damaged by inflammation, allowing small amounts of protein to leak out, causing trace proteinuria. This condition is relatively serious. Patients may take medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, azathioprine tablets, and captopril tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Hypertension
Hypertension may be caused by excessive stress or a high-sodium diet. It can damage the kidneys, potentially causing large amounts of protein to be excreted in the urine, leading to trace proteinuria. If left uncontrolled, this condition may become severe. Patients may take medications such as atenolol tablets, nifedipine tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets under a doctor's guidance.
In daily life, patients with proteinuria are advised to follow a low-protein, low-salt diet and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. It is also important to ensure adequate sleep, maintain regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "rest and work patterns" or "作息生活" could be "daily routine"), and avoid staying up late.
