From the Research
Yes, kidney stones can cause proteinuria, which is the presence of excess protein in the urine, as evidenced by a recent study published in 2022 1. When kidney stones are present, they can irritate and damage the lining of the urinary tract, including the kidneys. This irritation can disrupt the normal filtering function of the kidneys, allowing proteins that would typically be retained in the bloodstream to leak into the urine. The proteinuria associated with kidney stones is usually mild to moderate and often temporary, resolving once the stones are passed or removed. However, if kidney stones cause significant obstruction or infection, the resulting kidney damage can lead to more pronounced proteinuria. Other symptoms that might accompany proteinuria in kidney stone patients include:
- Pain (often severe and colicky)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Sometimes fever if infection is present If you're experiencing proteinuria along with symptoms suggestive of kidney stones, medical evaluation is important to determine the appropriate treatment, which may include:
- Pain management
- Increased fluid intake
- Medication to help pass the stones
- In some cases, surgical intervention It's also important to note that kidney stones can be a cause of chronic kidney disease, and proteinuria can be a sign of underlying kidney damage, as seen in a study published in 2009 2. Additionally, a study published in 2019 3 highlights the importance of screening for risk of stone recurrence and implementing lifestyle modifications, such as increased fluid intake, to prevent future kidney stone formation. Overall, the relationship between kidney stones and proteinuria is complex, and further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms, as suggested by a study published in 2006 4. But based on the most recent and highest quality study available, kidney stones can indeed cause proteinuria, and prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent long-term kidney damage.