Hypoalbuminemia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hypoalbuminemia is a condition in which the body lacks albumin in the blood. Normally, albumin levels in the blood are 3.5–5.9 grams/deciliter.
Albumin is a type of protein that plays an important role in the body. This substance is produced by the liver and functions to keep blood in the veins from leaking out of its stream.
Albumin functions to bind various types of hormones, body fluids, and drugs. Low levels of albumin in the blood will affect the work of this compound. One of the consequences is that the fluid that should be bound by albumin will come out of the body’s tissues and trigger edema (a condition in which the body swells). In addition, lack of albumin can also affect kidney function in filtering blood.
Symptom
Not all hypoalbuminemia causes symptoms. Mild hypoalbuminemia usually doesn’t have any symptoms. These problems are generally only known through laboratory tests.
Meanwhile, in more severe cases of hypoalbuminemia, sufferers can show many symptoms. However, the main symptom is swelling in both legs and around the eyes.
Apart from swelling in the legs and eyes, hypoalbuminemia can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Dry skin
- Hair becomes thin or falls out
- Hard to breathe
- Easily tired
- Diarrhea
- Yellow eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
Hypoalbuminemia conditions can cause several complications, such as:
- Lung infection (pneumonia)
- Accumulation of fluid in the lung cavity called pleural effusion
- Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, called ascites
- Reduced muscle mass
Reason
There are several conditions and diseases that can cause hypoalbuminemia. Among others are:
- Inadequate nutritional intake
- Severe infection
- After major surgery
- Burns
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Liver problems, such as hepatitis or liver failure (cirrhosis hepatitis)
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
Diagnosis
To ensure the presence of hypoalbuminemia, it is necessary to check blood albumin levels in the laboratory. It is also important to do an examination to find out the cause of hypoalbuminemia that occurs in a person.
If there is a suspicion that hypoalbuminemia occurs due to infection, it is important to do a white blood cell examination. If the cause is due to kidney disorders (kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome), then kidney function tests and urine analysis are needed. Suspected liver disorders as the cause of this condition will direct the doctor to recommend liver function tests and ultrasound.
Treatment
To increase albumin levels, intake of foods containing protein such as eggs, fish and milk need to be increased. If the albumin level is very low, giving albumin through an infusion must also sometimes be done.
Apart from medication, what is also important is addressing the cause of hypoalbuminemia. If this condition is caused by kidney disorders, then treatment with captopril or other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor drugs is usually necessary to improve the function of filtering albumin in the kidneys.
If it is caused by an autoimmune disease, usually steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) are needed. The goal is to improve the condition of hypoalbuminemia.
Prevention
Not all hypoalbuminemia conditions can be prevented. But ensuring the body gets enough protein intake is one way to help reduce the risk of hypoalbuminemia. Meet the body’s need for protein with a good source of protein. Some examples of protein-rich foods include eggs, fish, meat, milk, and nuts.