It’s normal for the color and consistency of your urine to change throughout the day due to hydration, exercise, and other factors. However, people with orthostatic proteinuria experience even more extreme changes in their urine over time as they stand, sit, or lie down [1].
Orthostatic proteinuria is a poorly understood condition that typically affects children and teenagers [1]. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this mysterious condition, its symptoms, and how to treat it.
Understanding Orthostatic Proteinuria
People with orthostatic — or postural — proteinuria excrete excessive levels of protein in urine when they stand or sit upright. The amount of protein returns to normal after lying down on their back or side. Individuals with this condition typically have normal protein levels immediately after waking up and increased quantities during the daytime [1].
Experts estimate that orthostatic proteinuria affects around 2% to 5% of children and adolescents. However, most people don’t realize they have this condition because it can only be detected with a 24-hour urine collection test [1].
Proteinuria vs. Orthostatic Proteinuria
Proteinuria and orthostatic proteinuria are both characterized by excessive levels of protein in urine, but there are a few key differences:
Comparison of Proteinuria Types
| Proteinuria [2] | Orthostatic Proteinuria [1] | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Refers broadly to any protein in urine | Refers specifically to excessive protein in urine when upright |
| Cause | Kidney damage caused by a broad range of conditions. Can also have benign causes, like acute illness and stress | Unknown |
| Age Group | Can affect people of any age | Generally affects children and adolescents |
| Complications | May increase the risk of bacterial infections, coronary heart disease, and other conditions | None |
Causes of Orthostatic Proteinuria
Researchers still haven’t discovered the cause of orthostatic proteinuria. Studies suggest that some people with this condition may have thicker walls in the blood vessels of the kidneys, which may affect how these organs filter protein. Standing upright may also put pressure on the left renal vein, causing the kidneys to excrete more protein [3].
Signs of Orthostatic Proteinuria
Orthostatic proteinuria is an asymptomatic condition. It can only be diagnosed by assessing the protein levels in urine [3].
Diagnosing Orthostatic Proteinuria
Healthcare providers can use a urinalysis to test for orthostatic proteinuria. Individuals with this condition typically have normal protein levels during their first urination of the day and higher levels as they spend more time upright [1].
Treatments for Orthostatic Proteinuria
Orthostatic proteinuria is a benign condition that requires no treatment. However, your doctor may recommend an annual follow-up appointment to monitor your kidney health [1].
Is Orthostatic Proteinuria Dangerous?
This benign condition causes no symptoms or complications. Children and young adults typically outgrow orthostatic proteinuria by age 30 and experience no lasting effects [1].
Enjoy Peace of Mind With Urine Protein Test Strips
Do you or your child have orthostatic proteinuria? You can closely monitor protein levels with Diagnox’s protein in urine test strips. These at-home test strips give you the flexibility to monitor protein levels at any time of day, so you can see if sleeping and standing affect your protein levels. If you need a more thorough urine exam, consider Urinox-10 urine test strips. In addition to testing urine protein levels, these multiparameter strips also test for nine other parameters, including glucose, ketones, and urobilinogen.
Learn more about how at-home urinalysis can help adults and children.
Seize control of your health today by ordering Urinox-10 or urine protein test strips.
