Pee & Urine Issues - Pain, Bed-Wetting, Amount & Frequency / Question
Published: September 18, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 18 and my doc just discovered that I have small amounts of protein in my urine. I read more about it in your FX Answers section, and I understand that probably, I might have some problems with my kidneys. If I really do have problems with my kidneys, what kind of problem will it be? Renal failure? Must I go for dialysis? Can the condition get better if I eat properly the next time? Anyway, what caused the kidney to be overwhelmed by the amount of protein in my body? How do you bring down the protein to a suitable level? Oh no, I think I asked to many questions. But nevertheless, I really do need your help here, and would appreciate so much if you could clear up all the doubts I have.
Signed: Worried About Protein In Urine
Dear Worried About Protein In Urine,
You did not ask too many questions; besides you would no havet asked if it was not important. If you looked at TeenHealthFX's response to Low level Of Protein In Urine you would see that low levels of protein in the urine is not uncommon and need not be cause for alarm. Your doctor may even have explained this to you and would have ordered additional tests if he/she was concerned. Since this situation seems to being giving you a great deal of worry maybe you should go back to your pediatrician or primary care physician and ask the questions that are bothering you. You may want to get your parents involved, they most likely would be glad to provide you with emotional support and guidance if you need it. If you are still worried, ask your doctor to refer you to a nephrologist, which is a doctor who specializes in this disorder. Before going, make a list of your concerns and ask the questions during the exam. The more information you have the less you will worry.
Proteinuria (protein in the urine) may be a sign of important kidney disease in some people. However, sometimes the proteinuria is associated with a viral infection and resolves within a few weeks (transient proteinuria). This is generally speaking not a problem. In otherwise well teenagers, we often find that the proteinuria is "postural." That means the proteinuria disappear after a period of lying flat. This is also not associated with serious kidney disease. The urine should be checked again first thing in the morning, just upon awakening. If protein is detected, further investigations should be performed.
Another cause of an elevated protein level can come from a diet that has an abnormally high amount of protein. The most common culprit would be the protein supplements some athletes take in order to build strength. TeenHealthFX cautions against the use of these products because a large quantity of protein can overwhelm the kidneys. Besides, you can get all the protein you need from a well balanced diet without the risk.
If you would like to meet with a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.889.6350 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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