In general, around 6 to 24 mg/dL (2.1 to 8.5 mmol/L ) is considered normal. But normal ranges may vary, depending on the reference range used by the lab and your age. Ask your doctor to explain your results. Urea nitrogen levels tend to increase with age.
What level of BUN indicates kidney failure?
If your kidneys are not working well, the urea nitrogen will stay in the blood. Normal blood contains 7-20 mg/dl of urea. If your BUN is more than 20 mg/dL, your kidneys may not be working at full strength. Other possible causes of an elevated BUN include dehydration and heart failure.
What are the symptoms of high BUN levels?
In addition, your BUN levels may be checked if you are experiencing symptoms of later stage kidney disease, such as:
- Needing to go the bathroom (urinate) frequently or infrequently.
- Itching.
- Recurring fatigue.
- Swelling in your arms, legs, or feet.
- Muscle cramps.
- Trouble sleeping.
Is a BUN level of 23 high?
General reference ranges for a normal BUN level are as follows: Adults up to 60 years of age: 6-20 mg/dL. Adults over 60 years of age: 8-23 mg/dL.
How can I lower my BUN level?
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.
How can I lower my BUN and creatinine levels?
You can lower creatinine levels by eating more fiber and less protein, limiting intense exercise, staying away from creatine, and trying supplements like chitosan. If you have high creatinine levels, it may be indicative of kidney disease, and you should visit your doctor to establish the best course of treatment.
What is a very high BUN level?
A high BUN value can mean kidney injury or disease is present. Kidney damage can be caused by diabetes or high blood pressure that directly affects the kidneys. High BUN levels can also be caused by low blood flow to the kidneys caused by dehydration or heart failure. Many medicines may cause a high BUN.
What are the signs that something is wrong with your kidneys?
Signs of Kidney Disease
- You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating.
- You’re having trouble sleeping.
- You have dry and itchy skin.
- You feel the need to urinate more often.
- You see blood in your urine.
- Your urine is foamy.
- You’re experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes.
What does a BUN of 7 mean?
The normal range of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is between 7 and 20 mg/dL or 2.5 and 7.1 mmol/L. There may be slight variations between labs. A decline in kidney function can cause an increase in BUN levels. There is no definite value of BUN that would diagnose kidney failure.
Can drinking water reduce blood urea?
Results: Serum urea and folic acid concentration decreased up to 40% after administration of the water load in 24 hours. Serum creatinine concentration decreased up to 20% after administration of the water load in 30 minutes.
What is bun in blood test results?
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test measures the amount of urea in a sample of blood. Urea is a waste product that forms as part of the body’s natural process of breaking down proteins. It is also referred to as urea nitrogen and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.
Where do you itch with kidney disease?
It can come and go or it may be continuous. It may affect your whole body or be limited to a specific area – usually your back or arms. Itching tends to affects both sides of the body at the same time and may feel internal, like a crawling feeling just below the skin.
What level of BUN requires dialysis?
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL is a useful indicator for dialysis in asymptomatic patients, but one that is based on studies with limitations. Different parameters, including absolute and relative indicators, are needed.
Can exercise increase BUN levels?
This can be greatly, and potentially dangerously, elevated by strenuous exercise. Dehydration associated with exercise may cause elevation of BUN and creatinine, two aspects of a kidney test. The BUN may be markedly elevated in the presence of severe dehydration; the creatinine may be mildly elevated.