Blood Urea Nitrogen

Description

We are like machines; so many things are occurring inside us of which we are totally unaware. One of the important functions performed by our body includes the removal of waste, whereby urea comes as a waste product. When doctors desire to know how efficiently your kidneys are working, they may have the need to order what they call a BUN test.

This article will explain in simple words what BUN is, why it is important, and what it signifies for your health.

What is BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)?

In simple terms, BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Your liver makes this waste product when it breaks down protein from the food you eat. The urea is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and ends up coming out in your urine.

Amino acid is termed ureid and contains nitrogen in the BUN molecule. Primarily, BUN tests measure the concentration of nitrogen derived from urea in your blood.

Therefore, in simple terms, it would be the BUN test that reveals to us how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood.

Why is the BUN Test Done?

Its main uses are:

• To check renal function
• General health screening

if have signs of kidney problems like swollen legs, tiredness, or need to urinate a lot; if have high blood pressure, liver problems, or heart disease; to watch those who are on dialysis or taking medications that affect the kidneys; It is frequently conducted in conjunction with other examinations like creatinine tests to take a step closer to the condition of the kidneys.

What Is Normal Range for BUN?

Different labs have different normal ranges for BUN. Generally, however, the variation is not that wide:

7 to 20 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

Just because your BUN is above or below the average doesn’t mean you have a disease. It could be influenced by numerous factors, including age, diet, and how much water you have.

If your BUN level is elevated, it could indicate:

• Kidney problems: Perhaps, your kidneys do not efficiently eliminate waste products.
• Dehydration: If one drinks too little water, his BUN levels will go up.
• High intake of meat or proteins shakes may elevate BUN.
• Heart failure: If the heart is not working well, it affects the blood’s flow to the kidneys.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding may elevate BUN levels also.
• Drugs such as antibiotics, steroids, or NSAIDs.

However, one high BUN test does not necessarily mean that you have a disease. The doctor will also consider other test results as well as the symptoms.

What Does It Mean If I Have a Low BUN Level?

Low BUN is not frequent, but its occurrence is from:

• Liver disease: Originating in the liver, urea produced might decrease BUN when functioning improperly.
• Inadequate protein intake will result in reduced BUN levels.
• Overhydration: BUN levels fall when blood gets diluted by excess water intake.
• Pregnancy: BUN levels might decline during pregnancy for some time related to certain conditions.

Low BUN itself is not usually important but could help piece things together with other results.

What Is the BUN Test?

A simple blood test is the BUN test. Blood will be drawn by a health care professional from your arm. It doesn’t take long to have this done — only a few minutes altogether. There is nothing special you need to do in order to prepare for the test, although your doctor may ask you not to eat certain foods or take certain medicines.

How can I control from having a normal BUN level?

How to keep kidneys healthy and BUN level normal, Rule the below Simple Steps:

• Drink enough water — your kidneys need it to help get rid of waste from your body.
• Have a proper diet; do not overeat junk food and proteins. Reduce sugar and salt. They raise blood pressure, which may be harmful to your kidneys.
• Exercise regularly; it benefits your complete body, even the kidneys.
• Avoid smoking and too much alcohol.
• Control high blood pressure and diabetes if you have them.
• Do not take any drug without prescription; some drugs can damage your kidneys.

Don't fret if your BUN is abnormal. It could be something simple, or it could be something that warrants further tests. The main thing is to be honest with your doctor and make good choices concerning your health in general.