what does it mean if you have protein in your urine

Having protein in your urine, a condition known as proteinuria, means that your kidneys are allowing an abnormal amount of protein to leak from your blood into your urine. Normally, kidneys filter waste while retaining proteins, which are essential for various bodily functions, in the bloodstream. The presence of protein in urine may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly or are damaged. Proteinuria can be temporary and harmless, caused by factors like stress, fever, intense exercise, dehydration, or an infection such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, persistent or high levels of protein in urine can be a sign of kidney disease or other serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, or heart disease. In pregnant women, it can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. People with kidney damage may not notice symptoms at early stages, but as it worsens, signs may include foamy or bubbly urine, swelling in hands, feet, face, or abdomen, and other symptoms related to kidney problems. If proteinuria is detected, further tests are typically conducted to determine the underlying cause and severity, and to guide treatment options to protect kidney health and overall well-being.