Protein in urine, also known as proteinuria, is caused when the kidneys do not filter blood properly, allowing protein to leak into the urine. Causes can be temporary or related to underlying health conditions.
Temporary Causes
Temporary rises in protein levels can occur without kidney damage and may be triggered by:
- Dehydration
- Exposure to extreme cold
- Fever
- Strenuous exercise or high-intensity physical activity
- High stress or illness
Kidney and Other Health Conditions
Proteinuria can indicate kidney problems or other systemic diseases affecting kidney function, such as:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage from diabetes)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney filters)
- Lupus and other autoimmune diseases
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Infections like kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Heart failure and certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma)
Mechanism
Healthy kidneys filter waste but retain essential proteins in the blood. Damage or stress to the kidneys causes proteins like albumin to pass into the urine, which can be detected by urine tests. In summary, protein in urine can result from manageable temporary factors or signal more serious underlying health issues, especially involving kidney function.
