Persistent

Difficult to dissipate

It’s not an isolated incident, but a recurring pattern.

Proteinuria: More than a sign, an early warning

The presence of protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, is not a disease in itself. It’s evidence that something is damaging the kidney’s structure. It can be compared to an ultra-fine sieve that begins to crack: what it was supposed to retain starts to leak out.

The worrying thing is not only that proteinuria exists, but how common it is, especially in people with risk factors. In those with high blood pressure, up to one in three may experience some degree of protein loss in their urine. In people with diabetes, between 30% and 40% will develop kidney damage during their lifetime.

Furthermore, in people with obesity, metabolic disorders, or those over 50, the prevalence increases silently.

The big problem: it doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t give any warning.

Initial kidney damage doesn’t cause pain or obvious symptoms. That’s why many people only find out when the disease is already advanced. Proteinuria is just the tip of the iceberg: the real damage may be progressing without the patient noticing.

This often happens because these signs aren’t always actively sought during routine medical checkups, and because the body doesn’t send a clear alarm in the early stages.

Who should pay special attention?

Some people shouldn’t wait until they notice foam in their urine to take action. The risk is higher if you:

Have high blood pressure

Have diabetes

Have a history of kidney disease

Have had autoimmune diseases

Frequently use anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac)

Have obesity or metabolic syndrome

In these cases, protein loss can begin long before any visible symptoms appear.

The relationship between high blood pressure and kidney damage

High blood pressure puts constant pressure on the kidneys. This increased pressure impacts the delicate renal filtration system day after day. At first, the kidneys resist. Over time, this sustained pressure deforms the internal filters, known as glomeruli.

When the glomerulus is damaged, it loses its ability to filter properly. It becomes more permeable and allows proteins to leak out, which not only indicates damage but also accelerates its progression. This creates a vicious cycle: more damage, more protein loss, and further kidney deterioration.

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