Proteinuria
Proteinuria is the presence of protein in the urine. Usually the protein molecules that are present in the bloodstream - called albumin and globulin - are not filtered through the glomerulus. Most diseases that affect the kidney cause the glomerulus to become leaky, so that proteins appear in the urine. If there is severe kidney damage there may be a large amount of protein, making the urine frothy, and causing the development of swelling, or oedema, affecting the feet and the face (the nephrotic syndrome).
Transient proteinuria may occur in association with any feverish illness, and is usually have no great significance. Persistent proteinuria requires investigation; the treatment is the treatment of the underlying cause.
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