Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for high bun readings

by Loma Cassin PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To accurately treat high BUN levels your physician has to rule out or also treat additional health complications such as acute kidney failure, liver disease, hypertension or infections. Drink plenty of fluids daily to stay hydrated. Dehydration refers to inadequate water and electrolyte balance in your cells, which can cause high BUN levels.

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. However, abnormal BUN levels don't necessarily mean you have a kidney condition.

Full Answer

How to reverse high BUN levels?

  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • thyroid disease
  • autoimmune diseases
  • bacterial infection of the kidneys
  • a blocked urinary tract
  • a family history of kidney disease

How do you treat high BUN levels?

Method 5 Method 5 of 6: Considering Medical Therapies

  1. Address and treat the underlying problem. High creatinine levels are rarely an independent problem. ...
  2. Research cold laser therapy. Some evidence suggests that cold laser or low level laser therapy can revitalize the kidneys and improve their overall functioning abilities.
  3. Use massage therapy. ...
  4. Learn about blood purification therapy. ...

More items...

How can I lower my creatinine and BUN levels?

Things That Lower BUN & Creatinine Levels

  • Liver Disease. Liver disease, especially severe liver disease, can lower both BUN and creatinine levels in your body.
  • Pancreatic Insufficiency. Pancreatic insufficiency can cause decreased levels of BUN in your body. Dr. ...
  • Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis can cause low levels of creatinine in your body, states Weatherby. ...

What can increase BUN levels?

What level of BUN indicates kidney failure?

  • A high protein diet
  • Burns
  • Dehydration
  • Hemorrhage
  • Shock
  • Heart diseases such as congestive heart failure or a recent heart attack
  • Certain medicines
  • Older age

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Should I be worried if my BUN level is high?

Higher than normal BUN levels may be a sign that your kidneys aren't working well. People with early kidney disease may not have any symptoms. A BUN test can help uncover kidney problems at an early stage when treatment can be more effective.

How can I reduce my kidney urea?

Here are 8 ways to naturally lower your creatinine levels.Don't take supplements containing creatine. ... Reduce your protein intake. ... Eat more fiber. ... Talk with your healthcare provider about how much fluid you should drink. ... Lower your salt intake. ... Avoid overusing NSAIDs. ... Avoid smoking. ... Limit your alcohol intake.

What happens when BUN levels are 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.

What level of BUN indicates kidney failure?

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.

How is high urea treated?

Treatment optionsHemodialysis: A machine is used to remove the waste from your blood.Peritoneal dialysis: A catheter (small tube) is inserted into your abdomen. A dialysis fluid fills your abdomen. This fluid absorbs the waste and extra fluid.

How do you get rid of urea?

0:262:28How the Kidneys Remove Urea | Physiology | Biology | FuseSchoolYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUp the job of the kidneys is to filter out urea along with the excess water and ions and excreteMoreUp the job of the kidneys is to filter out urea along with the excess water and ions and excrete them from the body in the urine.

Which food reduce blood urea?

Alkaline vegetables including Chinese cabbage, carrot and potato help to alkalize urine and reduce the effects of high blood urea levels. Several other foods are known to reduce urea and creatinine levels such as cucumber, lemon, red bell pepper, cinnamon and turmeric.

How do you improve kidney function?

What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?Make healthy food choices. ... Make physical activity part of your routine. ... Aim for a healthy weight. ... Get enough sleep. ... Stop smoking. ... Limit alcohol intake link. ... Explore stress-reducing activities. ... Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.More items...

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.More items...

Can you live with high BUN?

Elevated BUN level is correlated with increased mortality in patients with acute heart failure,(3–9) chronic heart failure,(10) coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)(3) and is predictive for intensive care unit (ICU) stay and survival in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Can high BUN cause death?

Conclusions: An elevated BUN-to-creatinine ratio, independent of GFR, confers an increased risk of hospitalization and all-cause death in patients with chronic HF.

What results in an elevated bun level with a normal serum creatinine?

See below: An elevated BUN with normal creatinine occurs most commonly in dehydrated individuals and is not a sign of kidney damage.It may also occur in in certa... Read More

Which etiology results in an elevated bun level with a normal serum creatinine level?

Multiple causes: BUN is a breakdown of ingested protein, but becomes elevated compared to creatine, in cases of increased catabolism (breakdown). Such things as a high... Read More

High bun level with trace protein in urinalysis . indication of what ?

Kidney issues: You will need a renal ultrasound, workup, possible CT scan and a 24 hr urine evaluation to rule out intrinsic kidney disease.

My bun level is high 27 . can this be caused by taking advil and tylenol (acetaminophen) and what can i do to help this. ?!

High BUN: Higher than recommended doses of tylenol (acetaminophen) and advil that are taken for an extended period of time can cause damage to the kidney which ... Read More

Interpret a bun level of 5?

Normal: I assume the unit of measure of the BUN is mmol/l. In the us we use mg/dl. 5 mmol/l is equal to 14 mg/dl. Normal range in mmol/l is 3-5.6 so your valu... Read More

Bun level is 23h what does this mean?

Need correct value: and units. All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position ... Read More

How to lower BUN levels?

BUN levels can be lowered by dealing with the health issues that raise them. Steps.

How to reduce BUN?

Try to reduce your stress levels by doing breathing exercises, practicing mindful meditation, and working out.

Why is my BUN level high?

Dehydration is one of the most probable causes of high BUN levels, but also the most preventable. [6] Drink water and other fluids regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. Sports drinks and coconut water are excellent beverage choices because their sugar content helps your body absorb and use water.

How to keep your BUN levels down?

Live a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The best way to keep your BUN levels down is to work on being healthy in all areas of life. Eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately every day, and use meditation or yoga to stay calm and positive. [12]

What is a BUN test?

A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is used to determine the amount of urea nitrogen, or waste product, in your blood. [1]

What does it mean when your BUN is high?

High BUN levels generally signify that your kidneys are not functioning properly. This could be due to kidney disease or failure, or other serious health problems like congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, severe burns, stress, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

What medications cause a rise in BUN?

Chloramphenicol and streptomycin, which are used to treat bacterial infections, are 2 notable examples. So are diuretics, which can cause dehydration and therefore a rise in BUN levels. Ask your doctor if any of your current or recent medications may have caused the increase. Your doctor may change your medication or alter ...

What is the normal BUN level?

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.

Why is my blood ratio increasing?

An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as con gestive heart failure or dehydration. These are not normally found in the urine and, if present, may indicate kidney disease.

How to lower creatinine levels naturally?

Talk to your doctor about ways to help lower your creatinine levels, including these eight natural options: Cut back on vigorous exercise. Don't take supplements containing creatine. Reduce your protein intake. Eat more fiber. Talk to your doctor about how much fluid you should drink. Try chitosan supplements.

What is a BUN test?

A BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen that's in your blood. Here's how your body typically forms and gets rid of urea nitrogen: Your liver produces ammonia — which contains nitrogen — after it breaks down proteins used by your body's cells. The nitrogen combines with other elements, such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, to form urea, ...

How does a blood urea nitrogen test work?

During the blood urea nitrogen test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately.

Can you eat before a blood test?

If your blood sample is being tested only for blood urea nitrogen, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for additional tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

What does BUN stand for in blood?

BUN. BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, which is a fancy word for urea or uric acid. BUN is a direct, short term metabolite of protein which may be from your diet or from proteins in your body such as muscles. Normal levels of BUN are between 7 and 18 mg/dL. #1.

What does a high BUN creatinine ratio mean?

High BUN Creatinine Ratio. BUN and Creatinine are waste byproducts of protein metabolism that are usually filtered by your kidneys and excreted in your urine. Sometimes these metabolites become elevated and can indicate to physicians that you may have problems with your kidneys.

Why is my BUN higher than my creatinine?

You may be eating a high protein diet recently, which would cause your BUN to go higher than your creatinine due to the short term protein metabolism. You also may have a Gastrointestinal Bleed, or be on steroid drug therapy. This is especially true if your Creatinine is normal and your BUN is high.

What does a BUN test show?

A BUN test is usually done with a blood creatinine test. The level of creatinine in your blood also tells how well your kidneys are working. A high creatinine level may signal problems with the kidneys or heart, but if it’s slightly elevated, it could simply mean that your diet is high in protein [ 9 ].

Why is the BUN range wide?

The range is wide because of normal variations due to protein intake, protein breakdown, state of hydration, liver urea production, and urea elimination by the kidneys [ 3 ]. Decreased or elevated BUN concentrations are usually seen in pregnancy [ 7, 8 ].

What does a BUN number mean?

Any standard blood test will have BUN or urea numbers. Conventional doctors will look at high or low BUN numbers and not mention anything, but these can indicate that certain processes in the body aren’t optimal.

What is BUN in biology?

Blood urea nitrogen ( BUN) is a measure of the amount of urea in the blood [ 1 ]. The liver produces urea as a waste product of proteins breakdown. It binds excess nitrogen from used-up proteins and safely removes it from the body [ 1, 2 ]. Urea is created not only from dietary protein, but also from protein in your tissues [ 3 ].

Is BUN a liver or kidney disease?

Urea elimination (via the kidneys) Therefore, BUN is an indicator of kidney health and/or liver health. However, creatinine is a much more reliable marker of kidney function. BUN is far more likely to be affected by dietary and physiologic conditions unrelated to kidney function [ 2 ].

How to keep BUN levels in normal range?

You should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your BUN levels in normal range. If the cause of your abnormal BUN levels is kidney disease, you may be prescribed certain medications to slow down the progression of your disease during early stages.

What is a BUN test?

A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test is utilized to determine the functioning of your kidneys. It measures the levels of blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is a byproduct (waste product) of protein breakdown in the liver. Under normal conditions, urea nitrogen is filtered by the kidneys, which is then removed from the body in urine.

What is the normal BUN ratio?

The test to check BUN level is often done in association with creatinine test, especially if an underlying kidney disease is suspected. The normal range of BUN: creatinine ratio is in between 10:1 and 20:1. This ratio should not be more than 30:1 in infants younger than 1 year. Elderly individuals have a slightly higher ratio of BUN: creatinine in comparison to young, healthy adults. The value is slightly greater in males in comparison to females.

What does increased BUN mean?

An increased BUN: creatinine ratio indicates acute kidney failure, dehydration, mental shock, congestive heart failure or decreased flow of blood to the kidneys.

What causes a BUN level to rise?

Factors That Raise BUN Levels. A diet high in protein. Infection or fever, which increases the breakdown of proteins – a common feature of any illness. Interval training or inflammation, which leads to breakdown of proteins from muscles. Low consumption of water or dehydration.

Why is BUN elevated?

BUN is elevated when activation of sympathetic arginine-vasopressin and angiotensin-aldosterone systems is inappropriately increased. This is often seen in heart failure. Protein breakdown is also increased by cortisol hormone, thereby elevating BUN levels. Bleeding from the gut.

Why is BUN important?

Levels of BUN have also been linked to the presence of high blood pressure and diseases that restrict the flow of blood such as diabetes. As blood pressure can be greatly impacted by stress , exercising regularly, seeking counseling and decreasing stress may help you maintain normal BUN levels.

What is a BUN test?

A BUN test is also known by other names such as a urea nitrogen test and serum BUN. BUN indicates the urea nitrogen produced in the body during protein breakdown. It is removed from the body through urine. A decline in kidney function due to a disease or kidney damage can cause an increase in BUN. It is, however, a less specific indicator ...

Why does BUN increase?

A decline in kidney function due to a disease or kidney damage can cause an increase in BUN. It is, however, a less specific indicator of compromised kidney function than glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine clearance. This is because BUN values can vary independent of kidney function. Your BUN values may be low if you eat ...

Why is my BUN low?

This is because BUN values can vary independent of kidney function. Your BUN values may be low if you eat a low protein diet, whereas they may increase with a high-protein diet. BUN can also increase in case of internal bleeding (hemorrhage), injuries and glucocorticoid therapy. Liver diseases can also cause a lower BUN value.

What is a BUN?

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is one of the parameters measured to ascertain kidney function. BUN indicates the urea nitrogen produced in the body during protein breakdown. There is no definite value of BUN that would diagnose kidney failure.

What are the risk factors for a BUN test?

The risk factors include. A family history of kidney problems. High blood pressure. Diabetes. Kidney diseases. Long-term medications. The doctor may also advise the BUN test if you have any signs and symptoms of kidney diseases such as. Swelling of the feet, legs or arms. Increased or decreased urine frequency.

How long does it take to get a BUN test?

A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is a quick and simple test that generally takes less than five minutes. You do not need to prepare for it. During the test, a healthcare professional takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle.

Can BUN cause kidney failure?

A decline in kidney function can cause an increase in BUN levels. There is no definite value of BUN that would diagnose kidney failure. BUN and creatinine tests can be used together to find the BUN-to-creatinine ratio (BUN:creatinine), which is more specific than the BUN test alone.

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Overview

  • A common blood test, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test reveals important information about how well your kidneys are working. A BUNtest measures the amount of urea nitrogen that's in your blood. Here's how your body typically forms and gets rid of urea nitrogen: 1. Your liver produces ammonia — which contains nitrogen — after it breaks down proteins used by your body's cells. 2…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Why It's Done

  • You may need a BUNtest: 1. If your doctor suspects that you have kidney disease or damage 2. If your kidney function needs to be evaluated, especially if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure 3. To help determine the effectiveness of dialysis treatment if you're receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis 4. As part of a blood test group to help diagn…
See more on mayoclinic.org

How You Prepare

  • If your blood sample is being tested only for BUN, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for additional tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
See more on mayoclinic.org

What You Can Expect

  • During the BUNtest, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Results

  • Results of the BUN test are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the United States and in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) internationally. 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 t…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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