Sign 2: Swelling in Your Hands, Feet, Abdomen, and Face
Swelling, medically termed as edema, is a noticeable symptom that can’t be ignored. It’s that uncomfortable puffiness that seems to appear out of nowhere. Often, this swelling is due to fluid accumulation in specific body areas, and proteinuria can be the hidden culprit.
So how are swelling and proteinuria connected? Proteins, especially a type called albumin, maintain the balance of fluids between blood vessels and surrounding tissues. A decline in blood protein levels, due to leakage into the urine, results in fluid seeping into nearby tissues, causing swelling.
But where might you observe this swelling? The most common sites are the hands, feet, abdomen, and face. Imagine waking up with puffy eyes, not because you cried or didn’t get enough sleep, but because your kidneys let too much protein into your urine. It can be disconcerting to see your feet swell so much that shoes become uncomfortable or to find your rings tightening around your fingers. (2)
