The full form of BUN is Blood Urea Nitrogen. BUN, as its name suggests, is simply a measurement of the urea-derived nitrogen in the blood. In the liver, the breakdown of protein results in the production of urea. The amount of protein consumed and the amount of urea expelled as BUN are different. If the BUN is higher than normal, the liver may be producing more urea, or the kidneys may be excreting less urea. Urea nitrogen levels in adult blood should range from 6 to 18 mg/dL. The increased nitrogen level in the blood suggests that the person may have a renal disorder. This test is specifically performed to rule out any kidney issues.
Causes of BUN
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The following factors contribute to the rise in blood urea nitrogen:
- A reduction in the rate of glomerular filtration
- High consumption of protein by an individual
- Heart issues
- A reduction in the blood volume
- Fever
- Extensive muscular deterioration
There are additional factors that lower BUN. They include hereditary problems as well as liver illnesses. BUN is typically expressed in mg/dL, and the following values are considered normal:
- Adult Man (Healthy): 8 to 20 mg of urea nitrogen per 100 millilitres of blood, or 8 to 20 mg/dL.
- Adult Woman (Healthy): 6 to 20 mg of urea nitrogen per 100 ml of blood, or 6 to 20 mg/dL.
- Children (Healthy): 5 to 18 mg of urea nitrogen per 100 ml of blood, or 5 to 18 mg/dL.
An increase in BUN causes problems for many people. However, people can use any of these remedies to return their body’s BUN levels to normal:
- Increase your protein intake to raise your BUN levels with food. You can try a variety of foods, including almonds, eggs, cheese, oats, and broccoli.
- A hyperactive metabolism may cause the BUN to rise.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration results from a decrease in fluid intake, which is also a significant contributor to the rise in BUN.
The urea usually often travels from the liver and creates a pathway through the bloodstream to the kidneys. UREA is filtered by healthy kidneys, which also eliminate other bodily waste. Children’s UREA nitrogen levels are low since they rise with age.
A high level of UREA typically indicates that the kidneys are not working adequately. BUN can also increase with higher protein intake and decrease with lower protein intake. The BMP (basic metabolic panel) or CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel) frequently includes the BUN (blood urea nitrogen) examination (CMP). This test is frequently administered to individuals who experience joint or bone pain, fatigue, muscle cramps, itching, or swelling in their arms and legs.