Microalbuminuria - what is it? In the later stages, the pathology is quite serious, affecting numerous organs and systems. Identifying a malfunction in the body involves determining the level of albumin protein in the urine. The substance acts as one of the components of the blood, and its content in the waste products may indicate the development of complex diseases.
What is microalbuminuria?
The analysis for microalbuminuria makes it possible to identify diseases of the urinary tract in the early stages. Saturation of body fluids with an abundance of protein is observed in cases where damage to the renal glomeruli occurs. Isolation of albumin is an important signal that may indicate the presence of
diabetic nephropathy.Among other things, clinical urine analysis (decryption is carried out by a specialist) makes it possible to determine malfunctions of the organs of the cardiovascular sphere. Most often, for these purposes, elderly people resort to research.
According to the concept of the norm, albumin protein should saturate urine in small quantities. This is due to the special structure of the kidney tissues, which filter out the substance and do not let its molecules pass.
Normative indicators
The albumin content in the urine of an adult should not exceed 30 mg per day. Along with this, protein is practically not contained in the vital products of healthy children. Exceeding the norm indicates the development of nephropathy. If the production of albumin reaches 300 mg per day or more, this indicates a pathological damage to the kidneys.
Microalbuminuria in diabetes, in addition to increasing the percentage of protein in the urine, leads to saturation of the body fluid with sugars. To confirm a disappointing diagnosis, doctors re-diagnose 6-11 weeks after the first study.
What does an increase in albumin in urine show?
If the percentage of the substance in the urine deviates from the norm, this may indicate the development of the following diseases:
- diabetes;
- malfunctions of the organs of the cardiovascular system;
- arterial hypertension;
- individual fructose intolerance;
- sarcoidosis.
If we talk about the most common cause of microalbuminuria, it is worth noting diabetes. An increased saturation of urine with albumin protein appears several years after the development of the disease. Therefore, a test for the concentration of a substance in body fluid allows you to accurately determine the excess of glucose.
Clinical manifestations
An increase in albumin in urine takes place in several stages:
- Asymptomatic - no complaints are received from the patient, however, characteristic changes are observed in the body.
- Initial - pathological disorders in the body have not yet been identified. At the same time, a decrease in the effectiveness of glomerular filtration in the kidney tissue develops.
- Prenephrotic - daily urine is saturated with an abundance of protein. The patient suffers from increased pressure due to increased activation of the kidneys.
- Nephrotic - a person observes the appearance of puffiness on the body. In urine, in addition to a significant amount of albumin, the appearance of red blood cells is observed. The level of production of urea and creatinine by the body increases.
- Stage of uremia (renal failure) - is accompanied by frequent and sharp jumps in blood pressure. Edematous areas on the body become stable. The level of erythrocytes in urea rises significantly. The rate of development of toxic substances by the kidney tissue decreases significantly. Daily urine is saturated with glucose. At the same time, the elimination of insulin from the body slows down.
Physiological manifestations of microalbuminuria
Microalbuminuria (there is a lot of albumin protein in the urine) can manifest itself with the following symptoms: chest pain, the presence of persistent discomfort in the left side of the body, increased pressure and a general deterioration in well-being.
One of the consequences of the development of pathology in the later stages are signs of a stroke. In this case, people who are susceptible to the disease often suffer from periodic loss of consciousness, difficulty speaking, weakness in the limbs. The indicated manifestations may be supplemented by dizziness, frequent headaches.
How to pass urine?
To determine the level of albumin proteins in waste products, a urine sample is required. A urologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist or therapist can prescribe a study.
How to pass a clinical urine test ? Deciphering the results will show the most reliable picture if the patient does everything right. For studies aimed at determining the salt content in bodily fluids and malfunctions in the functioning of the kidneys, use biomaterial collected the day before the test. To obtain reliable analysis results, it is recommended to use a special container for urine. The procedure is as follows:
- about 200 ml of urine is cast into a container;
- the container is handed over to the laboratory;
- if necessary, re-analyze;
- the results are calculated by the nephrologist based on the weight of the patient.
How to take urine in case of suspected diabetes? The body’s vital products released during the day are poured into a bulk container, after which they are stored in a refrigerator. The morning portion of urine in an amount of 200 ml, collected the next day, is mixed with the previously obtained volume. About 150 ml of the total amount is poured into the urine container. The capacity is sent to the laboratory indicating the age of the patient, the total volume of fluid received per day.
Therapy
Microalbuminuria - what is it and how to eliminate its manifestations? Treatment involves an integrated approach. People who suffer from an increase in blood sugar are prescribed drugs that lower blood pressure and eliminate the accumulation of cholesterol. In case of insufficient glucose in the body, an insulin injection course is prescribed.
Regardless of the cause of the pathological manifestation, in order to reduce the percentage of albumin protein in the blood, patients are advised to resort to the following measures:
- regularly measure blood glucose;
- monitor pressure;
- control cholesterol;
- avoid the development of infectious diseases;
- adhere to a diet based on low-calorie, low-fat foods;
- stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
- consume about one and a half liters of water during the day.
People with microalbuminuria often have to resort to hospitalization. Without adequate diagnosis and the use of appropriate methods of therapy, there is a high risk of death due to the development of heart problems. Therefore, if the first symptoms of the pathology are detected - there are problems with pressure, an increase in blood sugar level - you must immediately contact the hospital for testing.
Risk group
Microalbuminuria - what is it? The risk of developing pathology occurs in people who consume an abundance of protein food. The disease can occur in response to debilitating daily physical activity.
In general, resorting to research on microalbuminuria is recommended:
- Patients who suffer from diabetes in the initial stage. Such people should take a urine test at least once a year.
- Patients with stage 2 diabetes need to conduct studies to determine the level of albumin protein in the urine several times a year.
- People with coronary heart disease, impaired sugar sensitivity, patients who inherited the genetic form of dyslipidemia.
Where can I test for microalbuminaria?
You can pass urine for analysis by contacting any city clinic for help, on the basis of which a research laboratory operates. Diagnostic rooms of hospitals are also suitable for examination.
If you wish, you can make an appointment at a private clinic. However, in most cases, this solution seems inappropriate: the detection of an increased protein norm in urine is a fairly simple test, and the methods used by state medical institutions are accurate and reliable, so there is no need to overpay.
Finally
Microalbuminuria - what is it? The pathological concentration of albumin protein in urine, which leads to a risk of heart disease, the occurrence of impaired kidney function. Without proper treatment, all this can develop into damage to the brain tissue.
Determining the level of albumin in the urine is not only the basis for making the correct diagnosis, but also allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment methods used. With the timely detection of an increase in the indicator, as well as taking nephroprotective medications, serious complications can be avoided.