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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffConditions that can cause a temporary rise in the levels of protein in urine include:
- Cold exposure
- Emotional stress
- Fever
- Heat exposure
- Strenuous exercise
Diseases and conditions that can cause persistently elevated levels of protein in urine include:
- Amyloidosis (buildup of abnormal proteins in your organs)
- Certain drugs
- Chronic kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation in the kidney cells that filter waste from the blood)
- Goodpasture's syndrome
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
- Kidney infection
- Leukemia
- Lupus
- Malaria
- Multiple myeloma
- Orthostatic proteinuria
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart)
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sarcoidosis (development and growth of clumps of inflammatory cells in your organs)
- Sickle cell anemia
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
References
- Proteinuria. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/proteinuria/index.htm. Accessed March 23, 2011.
- Gerber GS, et al. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination and urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1445/0.html. Accessed March 23, 2011.
- Urine protein (quantitative). In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed March 23, 2011.
- Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 29, 2011.
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