What exactly does it mean when there is Protein in the Urine

[Concepta]

My DD2 was screaming with pain in her tummy last night. Took her to the Doctor who said it might be a Urine Infection. I left a sample with them and they have phoned to say that there is protein in the urine and that they will send it to the Laboratory to have it checked. It was the receptionist who rang and she said they could start her on antibiotics immediately if I wanted too. I don't really want to do this unless I really have too - she is in good form today and hasn't complained. Any advice.

Well it generally indicates kidney infection, as I think the kidneys process protein and if some is getting through the system it means they're not working fully to the usual standard. I might be wrong.
You often get it with a urine infection.

If she was screaming that sounds bad but if she's fine today maybe that was something else and not her kidneys.

I'd always avoid antibiotics if poss - maybe get the prescription and see how she is by tonight, then if she seems ok still, wait for the lab results as they'll isolate the actual germ and be better able to prescribe the right meds.

I mean have the antibiotics to hand in case she gets worse later, but don't start them unless you feel it's appropriate.

Also the fact the receptionist gave you the choice prob means they want to let you decide.

Thanks Flightattendant7. I think I'll do that - especially as the weekend is approaching. I have got some Cranberry Juice and give her loads of that. It's supposed to be good for that type of thing. Thanks again.

ok I hope she stays well x

It can also be diet related .... they should really ask you for a 2nd sample if they do not find anything specific ie infection - generally a morning one. Good luck

Message withdrawn

as a regular sufferer of uti's I would have the antibiotics on hand in case it flares up again - they make a huge amount of difference very quickly, and a kidney infection I would say definitely warrants antibiotics.

Thanks everyone, I will get the tablets later and keep them on hand incase she needs them. I don't like giving antibiotics unless I really have too. It was the doctor who recommended taking the cranberry juice and dd likes it, so I'll give it to her anyway. She hasn't been drinking much over the last while - probably because the weather is so cold but I will encourage her to drink more from now on. Thanks again. It's great when others around are kind enough to share their advice. Where would we be without mumsnet. I rang several friends for advice today but they were out.

Hi Concepta - just keep an eye out for other symptoms, especially swelling in the face or limbs. My son has a condition called Nephrotic Syndrome which causes the kidneys to leak protein. When he was first diagnosed, the swelling was dismissed by the GP as a reaction to antibiotics. It's easily treated with steroids, but not that common so can be missed. Hope she gest better soon.

Thanks 2madboys, I never heard of this before. I will continue to keep an eye on her. She hasn't complained since last night and I am still giving her loads to drink. She was so sore last night - it frightened me and then by the time we got to the doctor she didn't seem too bad. I hardly slept all night going in and out to check her, so I am glad she is more content today. I got the antibiotics to have in the house and if the pain reoccurs, I will give it to her.

Doesn't sound like nephrotic syndrome. It's one of those strange things where (if it's not caught early), the person can look really terrible, but feel absolutely fine! Sure it will clear up soon.

did I already know your ds had nephrotic syndrome, 2madboys? my memory is terrible. my ds1 also has it, m c ns in his case.

how is your dd doing concepta?

Not sure if I've posted about it before - I don't really post much at all, more of a lurker. What's m c ns? DS was diagnosed almost 2 years ago, now taking levamisole alternate days as he was having too many relapses. Only had one in 5 months since on it. However, now he has to have a test for coealiac disease as just found out dh has it!

how interesting about the coeliac. i often wonder about ds. i know other people whose kids also have coeliac and min change neph syndrome (m c ns)

ds1 tried levamisole for a while. sounds like it is working well for your ds. we didn't have such good results but it didn't do any harm to try. he's just relapsed after 18 months relapse free after we did 8 weeks of cyclophos. fingers crossed we get a nice long remission this time round.

have you joined any online groups? i can recommend kidcomm. there's someone else on here whose son has neph syndrome as well. don't know why I'm surprised, I suppose its a big cyberworld, but it's good to bump into other mums in similar situations once in a while

dd was perfect all week-end. No complaints of pain. Still giving her cranberry juice. I have to get the test results today to see if she had infection. I didn't need to give her any antibiotics. Maybe it was just the start of an infection and we have got it in time.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but could you post a link to Kidcomm please Moroco? I can't seem to find it. Thanks

great news concepta. what were the results? it might be worth getting another protein check just to make sure all has gone - it's easy for them to test in the surgery

sorry to hijack with unrelated chatter

kidcomm is www.kidcomm.org then you can go to kidcomm for parents and join the email group. its email not an online forum for greater privacy. theres also a chatroom/forums but they're quieter

Results came back from the Lab and were clear - no infection. I am so glad I didn't start her on antibiotics. I have no idea what was wrong with her. She has been fine since. Morocco Don't worry about hijacking thread - it's good to share information with one another.

that's great news