Protein in the urine or proteinuria can happen to anyone, including children and pregnant women. Does the discovery of protein in the urine of children and pregnant women definitely indicate a health problem? Find out the answer from the following explanation.
One of the causes of proteinuria is impaired renal filtering function. Kidneys that are impaired function cannot filter protein properly, so protein from the blood will enter the urine. As a result, large amounts of protein are found in the urine.
Urine Protein in Children
In children, proteinuria can be caused by various things. In mild cases, proteinuria is only temporary and will go away on its own.
Mild proteinuria conditions can be caused by dehydration, fever, stress, to the influence of extreme cold temperatures. Usually, the condition of proteinuria will go away on its own after the cause is resolved.
High protein levels in a child's urine can be a sign of health problems. High urine protein levels are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling of the feet, ankles, and eyelids.
High levels of protein in the urine, especially if accompanied by the above symptoms, can be caused by several conditions, such as:
- diabetes.
- Kidney illness.
- Infections, such as malaria, hepatitis B and C.
- Immune system disorders.
- Cancer
In this condition, treatment for proteinuria will be tailored to the underlying cause.
Urine Protein in Pregnant Women
While in pregnant women, proteinuria can be caused by the following causes:
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia.
- Overweight or obesity.
- Effect of consumption of certain drugs.
- Poisoning.
- Immunity disorders.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Kidney damage.
- Diabetes.
One of the conditions that often causes protein in the urine of pregnant women is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that must be treated immediately because it can cause eclampsia which is dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses.
In addition to the presence of protein in the urine, other symptoms that appear in preeclampsia are high blood pressure, swelling in the legs, headaches, and blurred vision. On laboratory examination, a decrease in the number of platelets will be found.
There are various causes of proteinuria in children and pregnant women. Although not all of them are dangerous, this condition should not be taken lightly. If you experience complaints when you urinate or your urine looks more cloudy and foamy, you should consult a doctor, so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment given.