1. Kidney Diseases
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, often due to infections or autoimmune conditions.
- **Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)**: Scarring of the glomeruli, leading to protein leakage.
- **Diabetic Nephropathy**: Damage to the kidneys due to poorly controlled diabetes.
- **Lupus Nephritis**: Kidney damage caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease).
- **IgA Nephropathy**: Deposits of the IgA antibody in the kidneys, causing inflammation.
- **Minimal Change Disease**: Often seen in children, characterized by minimal structural damage visible under a microscope, yet causing significant proteinuria.
### 2. **Hypertension**
- High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, leading to proteinuria as the filtration process is impaired.
### 3. **Infections**
- **Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)**: Infections of the bladder or kidneys can cause temporary proteinuria.
- **HIV, Hepatitis B or C**: These viral infections can lead to kidney inflammation and protein loss.
### 4. **Medications and Toxins**
- Certain drugs like **nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)**, **antibiotics (e.g., penicillamine)**, or toxins like **heavy metals** can cause kidney damage, resulting in proteinuria.
### 5. **Heart Failure**
- When the heart can't pump effectively, blood flow to the kidneys can decrease, leading to kidney dysfunction and protein leakage.
### 6. **Pregnancy**
- **Pre-eclampsia**, a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy, can result in proteinuria due to stress on the kidneys.
### 7. **Orthostatic Proteinuria**
- In some people, proteinuria occurs when they are standing or active and resolves when they lie down. This is usually benign and more common in young adults.
### 8. **Strenuous Exercise**
- Intense physical activity can cause temporary proteinuria, which typically resolves after rest.
### 9. **Obesity**
- Excess body weight puts stress on the kidneys, increasing the risk of proteinuria.
### 10. **Hereditary Disorders**
- **Alport Syndrome**: A genetic condition affecting kidney function, hearing, and vision.
- **Polycystic Kidney Disease**: A genetic disorder leading to the growth of cysts in the kidneys, impairing function.