
Proteinuria means proteins in urine. It is a state diagnosed with high levels of protein in the urine. Proteinuria can be considered a sign of kidney damage. But the causes include relatively harmless conditions too. Apart from kidney damage, the other conditions include dehydration, intense exercise, the effect of certain diseases or medicines, etc. Proteinuria should be confirmed with medical tests, and a specifically designed treatment plan can help you manage it. Proteinuria treatment in India allows you to choose between the modern medicine system and the ancient ayurvedic treatment for Proteinuria.
Proteinuria presence is classified based on the duration and probability of their reversal to a normal state. These are classified as long-lasting and short-term Proteinuria.
Causes of Proteinuria (long-lasting)
Certain health conditions can create a state where Proteinuria is challenging to handle, and it may last for a longer duration of time. These conditions can be concluded as
- Certain kidney disease-Nephrotic syndrome
- Risk factors, like:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Family history of kidney disease
- Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Causes of Proteinuria (short-term)
There are certain health conditions for which Proteinuria can be observed, but this type of Proteinuria can be reversed comparatively easily. The related cause observed are:
- High stress
- Dehydration
- Fever and Cold temperatures
- Intense physical activity and intake of certain medicines
What are the sign and symptoms of Proteinuria?
When the kidneys have mild damage, one would observe a slight increase in proteins in urine, and in such a case, the sufferer might not be able to observe any symptoms. On the contrary, when the kidneys are severely damaged, one would observe a sharp surge in protein levels in your urine. The symptoms of Proteinuria that can be observed easily are:
- Oedema of hands, feet, belly, or face
- Frequent urination
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Night leg cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
This is to be noted here that if you or someone you know also observe these symptoms, you must consult your doctor immediately.
Is Proteinuria a serious condition?
You might get different answers to this question, as the answer depends upon the state of the disease. So, the answer might be "Yes," too. Protein in your urine can be a serious condition. This is because Proteinuria may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Proteinuria can also be an early indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD). There are also a few cases where you might carry CKD silently and still have normal protein levels in your urine.
What can Proteinuria lead to?
Any disease should be treated well on time, which is the case for Proteinuria. Except for some instances, it is not advisable to leave Proteinuria untreated. In cases where Proteinuria is left untreated, the person is at a higher risk for developing serious kidney problems. This won't be a quick process but will eventually lead to ESRD ( End stage renal disease). It has also been observed that the kidneys start losing some of their functions or even stop working. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires long-term dialysis, or a kidney transplant could be the treatment option to replace the compromised kidney function.
There is a myth that drinking excess water treats Proteinuria. Drinking more water won't treat Proteinuria at all. It can be understood that drinking more water will make you pee more, as water will dilute the urine. This will never stop your kidneys from leaking protein. Therefore, it is advised to opt for treatment for Proteinuria rather than drinking excess water.
Treatment for Proteinuria and how should I take care of myself?
Proteinuria is a condition where there is an excess loss of protein from the blood into the urine. Proteinuria, itself is not a disease. Instead, it is a state observed due to some other underlying cause.
Yes, there is an Ayurvedic treatment for Proteinuria. This treatment does not focus on the symptoms for therapy; instead tries to treat the root cause. Its primary focus is to treat the root cause along with the rejuvenation of the diseased organ.
Ayurveda also works on finding a permanent solution to the disease. Including Ayurvedic medicines, eating healthy food, and drinking the suggested amount of water may help control Proteinuria.
A few lifestyle suggestions that should be followed along with the ayurvedic medicines to control Proteinuria are as follows:
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Eat less amount of animal proteins.
- Restrict the intake of salt to lower the raised blood pressure.
- Eat more fiber-rich foods. It will help reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Regular physical activity.
- Quit smoking, drinking, and alcohol abuse.