What does blood urea nitrogen tell you?
The blood urea nitrogen test, which is also called a BUN or serum BUN test, measures how much of the waste product you have in your blood. If your levels are off the normal range, this could mean that either your kidneys or your liver may not be working properly.
What happens if blood urea nitrogen is low?
A low BUN value may be caused by a diet very low in protein, by malnutrition, or by severe liver damage. Drinking too much liquid may cause overhydration and cause a low BUN value. Women and children may have lower BUN levels than men because of how their bodies break down protein.
How do you lower blood urea nitrogen?
Proper hydration is the most effective way to lower BUN levels. A low-protein diet can also help lower BUN levels. A medication wouldn’t be recommended to lower BUN levels….Lower BUN levels can indicate:
- liver failure.
- malnutrition.
- severe lack of protein in the diet.
- overhydration.
What level of urea indicates kidney failure?
A GFR below 60 is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. Once the GFR decreases below 15, one is at high risk for needing treatment for kidney failure, such as dialysis or a kidney transplant. Urea nitrogen comes from the breakdown of protein in the foods you eat. A normal BUN level is between 7 and 20.
How do you know if your kidneys aren’t working properly?
If your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs: Fatigue (extreme tiredness) An upset stomach or vomiting. Confusion or trouble concentrating.
What foods to avoid if urea is high?
Here are 17 foods that you should likely avoid on a renal diet.
- Dark-colored soda. In addition to the calories and sugar that sodas provide, they harbor additives that contain phosphorus, especially dark-colored sodas.
- Avocados.
- Canned foods.
- Whole wheat bread.
- Brown rice.
- Bananas.
- Dairy.
- Oranges and orange juice.
What are the main causes of high urea nitrogen levels?
Urinary tract obstruction
What causes elevated urea nitrogen?
But elevated blood urea nitrogen can also be due to: Urinary tract obstruction Congestive heart failure or recent heart attack Gastrointestinal bleeding Dehydration, resulting from not drinking enough fluids or for other reasons Shock Severe burns Certain medications, such as some antibiotics A high-protein diet
What are the symptoms of a high urea nitrogen count?
– A change in how much you urinate – Pee that is foamy, bloody, discolored, or brown – Pain while you pee – Swelling in your arms, hands, legs, ankles, around your eyes, face, or abdomen – Restless legs during sleep – Pain in the mid-back where kidneys are located – You’re tired all the time
What does it mean when your blood urea nitrogen level is high?
Generally, a high blood urea nitrogen level means your kidneys aren’t working well. But elevated blood urea nitrogen can also be due to: If kidney damage is a concern, ask your doctor what factors may be contributing to the damage and what steps you can take to try to control them. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum.