What can happen if your protein levels are too high?

High blood protein levels are linked to several medical conditions and issues: Dehydration. Chronic (long-term) inflammation or inflammatory disorders. Viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS.

How do you fix high protein levels?

Your high blood protein levels may simply be due to dehydration. Blood is made up of mostly water. When you don't drink enough fluids, the components of your blood become more concentrated, leading to a falsely elevated protein level. Drinking more water easily fixes the problem.

What does it mean to have high protein in your blood?

High blood protein is an increase in the concentration of protein in the bloodstream. The medical term for high blood protein is hyperproteinemia. High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition, but it might indicate you have a disease. High blood protein rarely causes symptoms on its own.

What are the signs of too much protein?

Is high blood protein serious?

No, you shouldn't worry about a test result that shows your blood protein is higher than normal. Your test result doesn't necessarily mean you have a serious illness. If your blood protein level is unusually high, your healthcare provider may order additional blood tests to get more information.

High / Low Protein in Your Blood: What Does It Mean?

Does high protein go away?

The body can't store protein, so once needs are met, any extra is used for energy or stored as fat. Excess calories from any source will be stored as fat in the body.

What disease is caused by too much protein?

Amyloidosis is a condition in which too much of a particular protein (amyloid) collects in the organs, so that they are not able to work normally. Amyloidosis can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, stomach or intestines.

What cancers cause high protein in blood?

In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause complications.

What organ is most affected by too much protein?

Eating too much protein over a long period of time can cause your liver to become overworked, allowing ammonia and other toxic substances to build up in your bloodstream. This can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a condition marked by a decline in brain and nervous system function.

What are the red flags for multiple myeloma?

High blood levels of calcium

Extreme thirst, leading to drinking a lot. Urinating (peeing) a lot. Dehydration. Kidney problems and even kidney failure.

What is the normal range for protein in blood?

The normal range is 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or 60 to 83 g/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What is the life expectancy with myeloma?

As myeloma treatments are advancing, people have more hope in managing the disease. “About 20 years ago, the life expectancy was about three years, and overall now it is at least five to six years,” says Bartlett.

Does too much protein make you tired?

5. You're Tired All the Time. Even if you're someone who gets those coveted eight hours of sleep every night, eating too much protein can still leave your body tired for several reasons. First, we now know that overconsumption can strain your kidneys, liver and bones-causing them to work overtime.

Will drinking water reduce protein in urine?

Can drinking water reduce protein in urine? No, drinking more water won't treat proteinuria. Drinking more water will make you pee more, so there may be less protein every time you pee, but it won't stop your kidneys from leaking protein.

What triggers myeloma?

What Are Its Causes? Exposure to toxic chemicals, atomic radiation, anything that interferes with the immune system, or infection with cancer-causing viruses, may potentially be linked to the developing myeloma.

What are the signs that multiple myeloma is progressing?

As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.

Which bones does myeloma affect?

Multiple myeloma can weaken the bones and make them more likely to break (fracture). The spine and long bones (arms and legs) are most often affected.

What blood test shows high protein levels?

A total protein and A/G ratio test is often included as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, a test that measures proteins and other substances in the blood. It may also be used to help diagnose kidney disease, liver disease, or nutritional problems.

What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma causes many symptoms, but bone pain often is the first symptom people notice. Other symptoms include: Weakness in your arms and legs and/or a sensation of numbness in your arms and legs. Multiple myeloma can affect the bones in your spine, causing them to collapse and press on your spinal cord.

Where does myeloma spread to first?

At first, the cells reproduce in the bone marrow of the spine. From there, they enter the bloodstream and travel to bone marrow in other parts of the body. They collect in the bone marrow and the hard, outer part of the bones. As this progression happens, the plasma cells can cause multiple tumors.

Do you sleep a lot with myeloma?

People living with multiple myeloma can feel extremely tired even if they're getting enough sleep. This condition is called fatigue. It's important to recognize the symptoms of fatigue and to report those symptoms to your healthcare team.

Is walking good for myeloma?

Build Up Your Bones

Weight-bearing exercises (in which your bones support your own weight) like walking, climbing stairs, or dancing, can help to strengthen bones. Be sure to contact your physician if weight-bearing activity leads you to experience bone pain, or a change in your pain symptoms.

How fast does myeloma spread?

How quickly multiple myeloma progresses can vary between people. An older 2007 study of 276 people found that there was a 10% risk of progression in people with early multiple myeloma per year for the first 5 years of illness.

When should I suspect myeloma?

Your Doctor May Suspect Multiple Myeloma Before You Do

Low red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts, which are common in multiple myeloma. High levels of calcium in your blood, called hypercalcemia. Abnormal proteins in your blood or urine.