My husband's doctor said he has too much protein in his urine is this treatable

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

Proteinuria, also known as albuminuria or urine albumin, is too much protein in the urine. The kidneys normally excrete under 150 milligrams of protein in the urine in a day. When the amount is higher, something is wrong with the kidneys.

In its early stages, proteinuria has no symptoms. As the condition progresses and more protein is lost, urine may look foamy. Swelling (edema) may occur in the face, hands, feet and abdomen.

There are three types of proteinuria: transient (comes and goes), orthostatic (affected by one's position) and persistent (constant).

Transient proteinuria, the most common type, is caused by temporary factors like fever or exercise. No treatment is usually required.

Orthostatic proteinuria is rare past the age of 30 but affects 2 to 5 percent of teenagers. The amount of protein being excreted is abnormally high while sitting or standing, but is normal while lying down. Its cause is unknown.

Fortunately, this form is not dangerous, and tends to disappear as the individual gets older. No treatment is necessary.

Persistent proteinuria is a symptom of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or hypertension (high blood pressure). Treating the disease, for instance, lowering blood pressure in hypertension, or blood sugar in diabetes, will relieve proteinuria.

Overweight and advanced age also increase the likelihood of developing the persistent form.

Proteinuria is not a disease itself but a symptom of any of the above issues or something else. More testing will have to be done to determine the cause - your husband will need to work with his doctor on this.
Best,
Susan