Albuminuria refers to a condition where an elevated amount of albumin, a type of protein, is present in the urine. Healthy kidneys prevent most albumin from passing from the blood into the urine. When kidney filters are damaged, however, albumin can leak into the urine, serving as an early indicator of kidney damage or other underlying health issues. This condition progresses silently, with few noticeable symptoms.
Recognizing the Signs
Early-stage albuminuria often presents without noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses and more albumin leaks into the urine, certain observable signs can emerge. A common sign is foamy or frothy urine, which results from excess protein.
Fluid retention, known as edema, also develops due to albumin loss from the bloodstream, as albumin helps prevent fluid leakage into tissues. This swelling appears in the hands, feet, ankles, or face. In more severe instances, fluid overload can lead to shortness of breath. General symptoms like fatigue or weakness can also occur. Advanced cases may also show loss of appetite and nausea.
Common Underlying Causes
Albuminuria is not a standalone disease but rather a marker of kidney injury, specifically affecting the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtration units. Several chronic health conditions commonly lead to this damage. Diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, is a frequent cause, as high blood sugar levels can harm the kidney filters.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, similarly impacts the kidney’s blood vessels, contributing to filter damage. Chronic kidney disease, or specific kidney disorders like glomerulonephritis, which directly affects the glomeruli, are also direct causes of albuminuria. Less common causes include heart failure, certain infections, autoimmune disorders like lupus nephritis, and severe dehydration or intense exercise.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Medical Advice
The diagnosis of albuminuria primarily relies on a simple urine test called the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). This test measures the amount of albumin, an important blood protein, relative to creatinine, a waste product found in urine, providing an indication of kidney health. A UACR result below 30 milligrams per gram (mg/g) is considered normal, while levels of 30 mg/g or higher may indicate kidney disease.
Regular UACR screenings are important for individuals with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, as early albuminuria often lacks symptoms. Early detection and intervention are important to prevent further kidney damage and reduce the risk of complications like kidney failure or cardiovascular disease. If any potential symptoms are noticed, if risk factors are present, or if there are general concerns about kidney health, seeking medical advice is recommended. After an initial diagnosis, further tests, such as imaging or a kidney biopsy, may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of the albuminuria.