Is a urine protein reading of 1 plus sign serious?

One plus sign for urinary protein typically indicates a mild increase in protein levels in the urine, known as microalbuminuria or mild proteinuria. Under normal circumstances, the level of protein in the urine of a healthy person is very low and generally undetectable.

The severity needs to be analyzed according to the patient's specific condition. If it is a normal physiological phenomenon or transient non-pathological proteinuria, such as after strenuous exercise, infection, or fever, it is usually not serious and no excessive concern is necessary. A single plus sign for urinary protein may also indicate early signs of certain diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension. In such cases, further examination and evaluation are required to determine the cause and implement appropriate treatment measures.

If one plus sign for urinary protein is accompanied by symptoms such as hypertension, edema, or reduced kidney function, it may suggest more serious conditions like glomerulonephritis, and timely medical attention is necessary. If it is accompanied by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, or similar symptoms, nephrotic syndrome or other severe conditions should be considered.