Occasionally, proteinuria is an early indication of chronic kidney disease, a gradual loss of kidney function that may eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Diabetes and high-blood pressure can damage kidneys and are the number-one and number-two causes of kidney disease.

Is proteinuria ever normal?

Proteinuria is a common finding in adults in primary care practice. An algorithmic approach can be used to differentiate benign causes of proteinuria from rarer, more serious disorders. Benign causes include fever, intense activity or exercise, dehydration, emotional stress and acute illness.

Can healthy people have proteinuria?

According to the National Kidney Foundation, healthy people have very little protein in the urine since the kidneys act as filters to keep protein in the body. Proteinuria is an early indication that the kidneys have been damaged in some way, allowing protein to leak out.