What does it mean when your blood urea nitrogen is high?

What does it mean when your blood urea nitrogen is high?

Generally, a high BUN level means your kidneys aren’t working well. But elevated BUN can also be due to: Dehydration, resulting from not drinking enough fluids or for other reasons. Urinary tract obstruction.

When should I be concerned about urea nitrogen levels?

The normal BUN level is between about 7 and 21 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Unless this level is greater than 60 mg/dL, it may not help your healthcare provider measure your kidney health. A better measure is the ratio of BUN to creatinine found in your blood.

What is a dangerously high BUN level?

High BUN indicates increased protein breakdown, which is associated with decreased immune function. A study shows that patients with elevated BUN (> 20 mg/dl) have an increased risk of infection [6]. High BUN is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients [6, 17, 18, 19].

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.

Is a BUN of 23 bad?

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.

Can drinking water lower your creatinine levels?

Drinking more water could lower the serum creatinine level, but does not change kidney function. Forcing excessive water intake is not a good idea.

What foods lower urea nitrogen?

Some vegetables can help alkalize urine and reduce the side effects of high blood urea nitrogen. Chinese cabbage, radish, carrots, potatoes, etc, are all conducive for lowering high blood urea nitrogen, so these foods are recommended for these patients.

What causes high levels of urea in blood?

The main causes of elevated blood urea nitrogen levels include kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration, urinary tract problems, heart disease and heart failure, states Healthline.

What does high blood urea nitrogen indicate?

High blood urea nitrogen levels may indicate a problem with the kidneys, from an infection, to an abnormal growth, to a disease. There may be a problem with the liver if a test reveals particularly low levels.

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