Kidney diseases can develop unnoticed for a long time. A person may feel fine and be unaware of their dysfunction. However, sometimes the body does send signals — and one of them can be noticed during a regular visit to the bathroom.
As noted by Parade, nephrologist Akshita Pai advises paying attention to persistent foam in urine. According to the doctor, this symptom may be associated with the presence of protein in the urine, which, in turn, sometimes indicates kidney damage.
What Foam Should Raise Concerns
We are not talking about a few bubbles that quickly disappear. It is the dense and persistent foam that remains on the surface for a long time that should raise concerns.
Dr. Pai compares it to soap foam: small bubbles stick together and do not vanish. Another comparison is the foam on the surface of freshly poured beer.
The cause of this phenomenon may be an increased protein content in the urine. Among the common causes of kidney damage accompanied by protein loss, the doctor mentions diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, foamy urine does not always mean disease. Bubbles can appear, for example, due to a strong stream or a large volume of urine. If they disappear quickly, this in itself usually does not indicate a serious problem.
Another Signal — Swelling
Swelling, especially in the legs, can also indicate possible kidney dysfunction. But this symptom is nonspecific: swelling can occur for other reasons, including certain heart conditions.
Therefore, it is impossible to determine the cause based solely on external signs.
What to Do If Foam Appears Constantly
If unusual foam in the urine occurs regularly and does not disappear for a long time, Dr. Pai recommends consulting a doctor. Usually, one of the first tests is a urine test for protein.
If the level is elevated, the doctor may order a repeat test or a more detailed analysis. A blood test for creatinine may also be needed to assess kidney filtration function.
Early detection of disorders is especially important, as it allows for timely treatment and slows the progression of certain kidney diseases.
The occasional appearance of bubbles in urine does not indicate disease. But if dense foam occurs regularly, persists for a long time, or if swelling appears simultaneously, it is better not to ignore this signal and discuss it with a doctor.
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