What are the effects of excessive protein content in urine?
Disease description:
During a recent physical examination, the test results showed excessive protein content in my urine. I would like to know what effects this might have.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Excessive urinary protein content, clinically referred to as proteinuria, is one of the important indicators of kidney disease. Long-term or significant proteinuria can have multiple effects on the body:
1. Kidney function impairment: Excessive urinary protein can damage the kidney's filtration system. If left untreated for a long time, it may progress to uremia. Significant proteinuria causes glomerular hyperfiltration, leading to kidney damage and promoting glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial lesions.
2. Nutrient loss: Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body. Losing large amounts of protein through urine can lead to protein deficiency, affecting immune function and tissue repair capacity.
3. Edema: Excessive urinary protein can cause fluid and salt retention in the body, resulting in edema. Patients may experience symptoms such as leg swelling and weight gain; severe cases can lead to pleural effusion or ascites.
4. Metabolic disturbances: Long-term proteinuria may also cause metabolic problems such as abnormal blood lipids and electrolyte imbalance, further affecting overall health.
When excessive urinary protein levels are detected, timely medical consultation is necessary to identify the cause and implement targeted treatment measures.
