Proteins are essential for helping your child's body perform functions such as fighting off infections and helping the blood clot. However, if your child has an abnormally high amount of protein in his urine, his kidneys may not be working properly and they may be allowing protein to enter his urine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In this case, conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure may be responsible for malfunctioning kidneys.
Symptoms
A high level of protein in the urine doesn't usually cause pain, but it can cause protein levels in the blood to go down. This problem can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, abdomen and eyelids. Your child's blood pressure may also be higher than normal if too much protein is in her urine, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Diagnosis
If your child's doctor suspects that your child has too much protein in his urine, she will need to take a urine sample from him. She would then perform a simple test that involves dipping a chemically treated strip of paper into the urine; the strip should change its color if your child's urine contains protein. She may also order some lab blood and urine tests. If she believes that your child's condition won't resolve on its own, she may refer you to a kidney specialist called a nephrologist who may suggest taking a biopsy of your child's kidney tissue to get to the root of the problem.
Collecting Urine
If your doctor decides to collect a urine sample in the office, he will ask your child to urinate into a sample cup. However, the doctor may need to insert a catheter into your child's bladder to retrieve the urine if your child isn't potty trained or is unable to urinate into the sample cup. If your child is still wearing a diaper, the doctor may recommend that you use a urine collection bag that has adhesive tape on one end, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. In this case, you would clean the area around your child's genitals, place the bag around the urinary opening, secure it with the tape and then diaper your baby. Usually your child will have urinated into the bag within an hour. You may also need to gather your child's urine sample from home. In this case, pay careful attention to the lab's gathering and specimen handling instructions to avoid contamination.
Treatment
The treatment for your child's high level of urine protein will depend on its underlying cause. For instance, a child with high blood pressure will need to receive treatment for that condition and a child with diabetes will need to have her blood sugar level regulated through medications, blood sugar meters, healthy eating and exercise, according to the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. In most cases, a child with high protein levels should eat less salt to reduce body swelling. She may also need to take medications to control inflammation in her kidneys.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Proteinuria
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Proteinuria in Children
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine: Proteinuria
- http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_protein.html#a_Preparation KidsHealth from Nemours: Urine Test: Protein
- Children's Hospital Colorado: Proteinuria
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