High Blood Protein (Hyperproteinemia)

Overview

Hyperproteinemia, also known as high blood protein, is a condition in which your blood contains an excessively high quantity of protein.

The two main kinds of proteins present in the blood are globulins and albumins. Blood proteins aid in the synthesis of molecules necessary for normal physiological function. These compounds include antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.

The blood’s total protein content stays stable in healthy conditions. High protein levels in the blood may indicate underlying medical issues such as dehydration, cancer such as multiple myeloma or infections like hepatitis C.

Elevated protein in the blood may indicate the existence of a disease. Protein levels in the blood seldom cause indications or symptoms on their own. Blood tests, however, are often used to diagnose it in combination with the evaluation of another problem or symptom.

Dehydrated people have greater blood protein levels, but the underlying problem is that their blood plasma is more concentrated.

When your body fights infection or another kind of inflammation, it may create more of specific proteins in the blood. Multiple myeloma may also cause high protein levels in the bloodstream.

Proteins are huge, complex molecules that are needed for the correct functioning of all cells and tissues in the body. They are produced in different areas of the body and circulate via the circulatory system.

Proteins occur in a range of shapes and forms, such as albumin, antibodies, and enzymes, and they perform a number of activities, including:

• Battling with disease
• Controlling the body’s functioning
• Regulating the process of muscle growth
• Transporting drugs and other chemicals throughout the body

Causes

High protein levels in the blood may suggest a chronic infection or inflammation like viral hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, which should be further examined. It could also be a sign of a bone marrow issue. A low A/G ratio may be an indication of an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system targets and destroys normal cells.

A variety of illnesses or medical situations may produce increased protein levels in the blood (hyperproteinemia) or an imbalance in the ratio of albumin to globulins in the circulation. Some of high blood protein causes include the following conditions:

• Dehydration
• Inflammatory disorders
• Infections
• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Renal damage

When your body fights infection or another kind of inflammation, it may create more specific proteins in the blood. Some bone marrow diseases including multiple myeloma can lead to high protein levels in the bloodstream before the appearance of the other symptoms.

A blood test can tell whether your blood has an unusually high amount of protein. Protein levels are often tested as part of a full metabolic panel. It is a blood test performed by doctors as part of a comprehensive medical assessment. Blood is obtained and the total protein content in the body is determined by analyzing a blood sample in a laboratory.

Blood tests often reveal total protein levels, albumin levels, and the albumin to globulin ratio. If an abnormal quantity of blood proteins is found, further testing, such as quantitative immunoglobulin assays and protein electrophoresis, may be required.

It is critical to find out what is producing high blood protein levels when it comes to controlling them. If you develop hyperproteinemia as a result of moderate dehydration, your doctor may urge you to drink additional water before having your blood tested again.

Symptoms

High blood protein levels can indicate a variety of underlying medical issues. The underlying etiology of the disorder frequently determines the symptoms of high blood protein. Common high blood protein symptoms include exhaustion, weakness, recurrent infections, edema, and, in severe cases, unexplained weight loss, skin changes, and neurological difficulties. It is critical to understand that elevated blood protein levels are not a sickness in and of themselves but rather a symptom of a more significant problem.

Diagnosis

A series of medical tests is routinely used for elevated high blood protein diagnosis. A complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive blood test, can help identify high protein levels in the blood. A serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test may also be performed to discover the exact types of proteins that are causing the rise. Once the underlying reason is recognized, more tests and investigations, such as a liver function test or a kidney function test, may be required to determine the exact condition causing the increased protein levels.

Treatment

The primary goal for high blood protein treatment is to address the underlying cause. Management differs based on the diagnosis. If the high blood protein level is caused by multiple myeloma, a kind of blood cancer, treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation. If a liver or renal issue causes it, it is critical to treat the underlying condition. 

Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol use can also assist in managing high blood protein levels. Medication may be recommended in some circumstances to treat the illness or its symptoms.

When To See A Doctor

You should consult your primary care physician if you experience the following symptoms of hyperproteinemia:

• Swelling as result of fluid retention or buildup
• Muscle mass loss
• Fatigue
• Infections
• Brittle as well as dry hair that easily falls out
• Fever and nausea

If high protein levels in the blood are discovered during a regular examination to rule out an underlying problem, further testing is recommended.

The total protein test is one of the most common tests that may be used to determine if your blood contains an unusually high quantity of protein. 

SPEP i.e. serum protein electrophoresis is another important test that may help in determining the actual source of the high blood protein levels. This source could be liver or bone marrow disorder. If the doctor suspects the occurrence of bone marrow disorder, he or she may recommend a SPEP.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about High Blood Protein or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.