Regardless of which particular kidney disease you have, proteinuria -- also known as high urine protein -- is usually the first symptom. Patients often are completely unaware that they are sick until a urine specimen during a routine life insurance exam or physical turns out to contain high levels of protein. Often, this is the beginning of a diagnostic workup aimed at determining the nature of the disease.
Kidney Function
Patients with high urine protein can still have normal kidney function. Increases or decreases in urine protein do not suggest the disease is getting worse or getting better. However, high urine protein over a period of months and years can lead to a decrease in function, which is why nephrologists often try to minimize urine protein levels.
Explanation
Proteins are large complex molecules. The tiny nest of capillaries that make up each glomeruli, or kidney filter, is a delicate structure. Proteins passing through the glomeruli can damage it, which is why lowering urine protein helps prevent progression of kidney disease. Other factors, such as hypertension and sedimentation of immune proteins, also drive the progression of kidney disease, which is why your disease may progress even if you have no urine protein for extended periods of time.
Treatment
Treatments for high urine protein include medication to lower blood pressure, immunosuppressants, prednisone and diet. Also known as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors effectively lower both urine protein and blood pressure, which is a common problem among kidney patients. Doctors are less likely to prescribe prednisone or immunosuppressants unless urine protein levels are high, because these drugs can have serious side effects.
Diet
Some nephrologists recommend that patients with high urine protein limit their intake of dietary protein. The rationale is that the amount of protein excreted can be minimized by limiting dietary intake.This approach does not apply to children who need protein for growth and is rarely undertaken in patients with advanced disease. Likewise, it is not done in patients approaching transplant or on dialysis. You should never undertake a protein restriction regimen unless is it recommended by your nephrologist, because this type of diet can damage your health.
