Protein in urine....?

Question

My teenage daughter unrinates all the time and tested positive for protein in her urine. What does this mean? She is of average height and weight and in overall good health.

Answer 1

Protein in urine is called proteinuria. It is associated to some kidney problems or some other diseases or disorders but it can also be caused by exercise ,fever, and position of the body.
The child with protein in their urine is a common finding . Protein may be found in the urine of healthy children. By mentioning your daughter is in overall good health,I understand that this means you have not noted anything wrong in her (with regards to any abnormalities,any signs and symptoms).
You have not specified the reading being positive but anyway if there is repeated >1+ protein on a dipstick but no significant history, physical findings, and hematuria, a supine urine should be tested.( The child should empty her bladder before going to sleep and the first morning urine, while still lying down should be collected and tested.)
If this is free of protein, another urine should be tested while the child is up and about. If this is positive, she has orthostatic proteinuria ( a condition in which protein appears in the urine in otherwise healthy people who have been standing for a period of time), by then there is nothing to worry but a test should be repeated a few times over the next year.
If both specimens contain protein, further check up is needed. You mentioned that she urinates all the time and it is another point to get concerned of so I highly suggest that you go and see a doctor for a better evaluation of her condition.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Protein in urine can be an indicator of kidney disease or some kind of systemic infection that is affecting the kidney. The fact that she urinates frequently may indicate diabetes. The doctor will probably want to do further tests.

Answer 4

The fact that your labs came back clear is a good sign that there is not too much to worry about. Protien in urine could be an indicator of pre-eclampsia, but if you do not have any swelling or high blood pressure this is probably not the case. If you are worried speak to your midwife or doctor, and maybe ask them for some extra monitoring. Try not to worry too much and enjoy these last weeks. Good luck

Answer 5

You need to call the doctor back and have him/her explain it to you! A small amount of protein in urine is normal, any more than that could be a Kidney problem. She needs to redo the test in the morning when protein is the lowest. Good luck!

Answer 6

She needs to see a nephrologist to make sure that she does not have a kidney disease or infection. Passing protein through urine is a sign of kidney disease, the sooner you get diagnosed the better your chances are of keeping your kidneys.

Answer 7

Probably, she has a lot of protein in her diet and her body just flushes the unneeded protein out. Ask your doctor to make sure.

Answer 8

Is she following a low carb diet? Have her checked for diabetes and her kidneys checked.

Answer 9

Protein in the urine, or proteinuria can be caused by high blood pressure, kidney disease, lupus, diabetic neuropathy, glomerulonephritis, or nephrotic syndrome. Her doctor should do futher testing to determine what the cause might be, so treatment can begin. You can read more about it here http://www.kidney.org.uk/Medical-Info/kidney-disease/proturia.html

Answer 10

It could be a kidney infection.