High protein in urine, also known as proteinuria, is often a sign that your kidneys aren't working properly. They're letting too much protein leak into your urine. This can be caused by a range of factors, from temporary issues to more serious underlying conditions.
Causes of High Protein in Urine
Several factors can contribute to elevated protein levels in urine:
Temporary Causes:
- Strenuous exercise: Intense physical activity can temporarily increase protein in urine.
- Dehydration: Lack of fluids can also lead to a temporary rise in protein levels.
- Diet: Certain foods or dietary changes may affect urine protein levels.
- Stress: Stress can sometimes trigger a temporary increase.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause changes in urine composition, including higher protein levels.
More Serious Underlying Conditions:
- Kidney disease: Damaged kidneys are a primary cause of persistent proteinuria. The glomeruli, the filtering units in your kidneys, are not working effectively, letting protein escape. (Kidneyfund.org, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus, Healthline, Johns Hopkins Medicine)
- Diabetes: High blood sugar damages the kidneys over time, leading to proteinuria. (AAKP, Healthline)
- High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can damage kidney blood vessels.
- Heart disease and heart failure: These conditions can sometimes impact kidney function. (Mayo Clinic)
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition where abnormal proteins build up in organs. (Mayo Clinic)
- Kidney infections: Infections can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys. (Mayo Clinic)
- Certain medications: Some drugs, such as NSAIDs, can contribute to proteinuria. (Mayo Clinic)
- Hodgkin lymphoma: This type of cancer can also cause kidney damage. (Mayo Clinic)
Persistent high protein levels in urine require medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. A doctor will conduct tests to diagnose the problem.
