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Foamy urine is often the first red flag of kidney damage, but many ignore it. It may signal proteinuria, protein leaking into urine, a sign your kidneys may be in trouble
While medication can help manage the damage, a fully restored kidney is rarely possible. (News18 Hindi)
We often ignore minor symptoms, only to realise their seriousness later. One of the most overlooked organs when it comes to early warning signs is the kidney. Our kidneys play a vital role in removing waste from the body while retaining essential nutrients. They filter excess fluid and toxins from the blood. Once kidneys are damaged, the road to recovery becomes difficult.
While medication can help manage the damage, a fully restored kidney is rarely possible. Kidney damage may result from several causes, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), injury, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions, or infections. However, the body often shows early signs, many of which go unnoticed. Ignoring these signs can prove costly to our health.
The First Warning Sign
One of the earliest signs of kidney damage is foamy urine, but it is often brushed off. Foamy urine appears as persistent bubbles in the toilet bowl. While a few bubbles caused by a strong urine stream are normal and disappear quickly, consistently foamy urine is not. This is often the first red flag. It may indicate the presence of protein in the urine, a condition known as proteinuria.
Why Does It Happen?
Healthy kidneys filter waste and retain important substances like protein. But when the kidneys are damaged, these filters start to leak. As a result, proteins, especially albumin, can escape into the urine. Protein alters the surface tension of urine, causing it to foam, much like how egg whites create foam when beaten. Hence, persistent foamy urine is considered a key early indicator of kidney issues.
People with high blood sugar or high blood pressure are more likely to experience this. Recognising this symptom early can lead to timely treatment and potentially prevent serious damage.
Why Most People Ignore It
Many assume foamy urine is due to dehydration or a forceful urine stream. Since it doesn’t cause pain, it’s rarely taken seriously. However, foamy urine can also be linked to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or side effects of certain medications. That’s why it’s crucial to get it examined if it continues.
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