Elevated urine protein is a sign of renal insufficiency.
I recently felt discomfort in my kidneys and went to the hospital for a checkup, where I found out that my urine protein level was elevated. I would like to ask if this is a sign of kidney dysfunction?
Doctor's answer (1)
Elevated urine protein is associated with abnormal kidney function, but it does not necessarily indicate kidney failure.
Elevated urine protein can be caused by various factors, including physiological and pathological reasons:
1. Physiological factors: In situations such as intense exercise or fever, transient elevation of urine protein may occur. In these cases, the increase in urine protein is usually temporary and does not accompany symptoms of kidney damage.
2. Pathological factors: Kidney diseases, such as nephritis and nephrotic syndrome, can impair the kidney's filtration function, causing large molecules like proteins to leak into the urine, leading to elevated urine protein. These conditions may progress to kidney failure.
3. Urinary tract infections: Inflammation from urinary tract infections may cause damage to the urinary system, also resulting in increased urine protein. However, urine protein levels typically return to normal once the inflammation subsides.
