Rosemary

[roe1990]

My son is 14 years old and had a trace of protein in his urine.  What could this mean .  He is very active.  At the age of 7 he passed a kidney stone so I am concerned please help.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

What was the indication for your son’s urinalysis?

Are there other associated symptoms like pain in urination, swelling of the extremities, and change in urinary patterns?

Several factors may explain the presence of proteinuria. Benign and transient proteinuria
(protein in the urine) may be experienced after vigorous exercises or in the presence of underlying infections associated with fever. You have mentioned that your son is very active. Does he engage in sports and other vigorous activities? This may partly explain the condition.

A repeat urinalysis may be done to determine if the proteinuria is persistent. A 24 hour urine sample collection may be obtained to quantify urine protein levels. A complete assessment may be needed to rule out other possible causes like a glomerular (involvement of kidney units) disease. Blood tests for cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugar and determination of blood pressure levels to rule out hypertension may be necessary.

A repeat urinalysis may be called for and management may take from there.

[emtd65]

It can be a temporary presence due to an infection or an indication of some thing else, such as a problem with the kidneys, kidney stones (as you mentioned) or diabetes. Begin by taking him to see a urologist. I always have blood and protein in my urine. I have a condition called Interstitial cystitis......