Why does proteinuria cause a swollen belly?
Proteinuria causes a swollen belly through a process involving fluid imbalance in your body. When your kidneys are damaged, they allow protein to leak into your urine instead of keeping it in your bloodstream where it belongs.
Here's what happens:
* Protein levels in your blood drop Show Full Answer
Why does proteinuria cause a swollen belly?
Proteinuria causes a swollen belly through a process involving fluid imbalance in your body. When your kidneys are damaged, they allow protein to leak into your urine instead of keeping it in your bloodstream where it belongs.
Here's what happens:
* Protein levels in your blood drop because too much is being lost through urine
* Low protein levels can't hold fluid in your bloodstream properly
* Fluid is forced out of your blood vessels and into nearby tissues
* This fluid buildup causes swelling (edema) in various parts of your body, including your belly, feet, ankles, hands, and face
This swelling is one of the key symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, which occurs when there are very high levels of protein in the urine due to kidney damage. The condition affects how your body maintains its fluid balance, leading to that uncomfortable swollen feeling in your abdomen and other areas.
If you're experiencing a swollen belly along with foamy urine, decreased appetite, or stomach pain, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider about managing your proteinuria.
April 19
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