Protein in urine — known as proteinuria — is excess protein found in a urine sample.
Proteinuria develops when an excess amount of protein is detected in a urine sample based on appropriate analysis.
High levels of protein in the urine may be observed in pregnant women.
Low levels of protein in urine are normal.
Temporarily high levels of protein in urine aren't unusual either, particularly in younger people after exercise or during an illness.
Persistently high levels of protein in urine may be a sign of kidney disease.
Causes
Conditions that can cause a temporary rise in the levels of protein in urine include:
- Dehydration
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to extreme cold
- Fever
- Strenuous exercise
Diseases and conditions that can cause persistently elevated levels of protein in urine, which might indicate kidney disease, include
- Amyloidosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Endocarditis
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Kidney infection
- Lupus
- Malaria
- Multiple myeloma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sarcoidosis
- Sickle cell anemia
When to see a doctor
If a urine test reveals protein in your urine, ask your doctor whether you need further testing. Because protein in urine can be temporary, your doctor might recommend a repeat test first thing in the morning or a few days later.
Your doctor might order other tests, such as a 24-hour urine collection, to determine if there is a cause for concern.
If you have diabetes, your doctor may check for small amounts of protein in urine — also known as microalbuminuria — once or twice each year. Newly developing or increasing amounts of protein in your urine may be the earliest sign of diabetic kidney damage.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/protein-in-urine/basics/definition/sym-20050656
