Albuminuria treatment differs depending on the cause of the condition, which is marked by a higher than normal concentration of albumin in the urine. By itself, albuminuria does not jeopardize the health of a patient and is regularly seen in patients who are athletes, pregnant, or recovering from exposure to extreme temperatures. When caused by another condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, albuminuria treatment will focus on treating the underlying condition.
The first step in albuminuria treatment is discovering the cause of the condition. It is normal to excrete a small amount of albumin, which is a protein found in the blood, through the urine. If this condition is discovered, a patient may be tested for high blood pressure, diabetes, or problems with the kidneys to rule these causes out.
Patients with high blood pressure may be given medication to lower their blood pressure as a part of their albuminuria treatment. The increased pressure on the walls of the blood vessels can force too much albumin and other blood proteins into the urine, so decreasing the blood pressure will help the body hold onto albumin rather than excreting it. In some cases, if the albumin loss is severe, patients with normal blood pressure may also be given medications that lower the blood pressure slightly.
Not all patients are given medication as part of their albuminuria treatment. Otherwise healthy patients, such as athletes and women who are pregnant, may be advised to lower their intake of salt and water. Less salt in the diet reduces blood pressure and allows the kidneys to take up albumin before it leaves through the urine. Less water also helps decrease the load on the kidneys, while the albumin levels are normalized.
When albuminuria is caused by another medical condition, the condition is treated rather than the albuminuria. By correcting its underlying cause, the hope is that the albuminuria will clear up on its own. Albuminuria treatment for patients who have diabetes includes better monitoring of the hormones and proteins in the blood and a diet plan that decreases the symptoms of this disease.
It is also possible for patients with other kidney problems to lose too much protein in the urine. Albuminuria treatment for these patients will depend on the nature of the kidney problem. Patient’s whose kidneys are failing require dialysis and transplant, while patients with early kidney disease may be given various medications to stop its progression.