-
-
Pain in your side or back (near your kidneys).
-
-
You have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Step 3: See Your Doctor.
A doctor can easily distinguish harmless foam from a problem with a simple, inexpensive test.
-
-
They will likely order a Urinalysis (urine test). A dipstick test gives instant results for protein. If protein is detected, they may follow up with a 24-hour urine collection or a Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) test to measure the exact amount of protein.
-
-
A blood test to check your kidney function (creatinine, GFR) is also standard.
The Bottom Line
Occasional, fast-dissolving foam is almost always normal, caused by speed or dehydration.
Consistent, copious foam that looks like beaten egg whites or beer foam could be a sign of protein in your urine, which warrants a doctor's visit to check your kidney health.
When in doubt, get it checked out. It's a simple test that can provide significant peace of mind or catch a potential issue at its most manageable stage.