Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Tabraiz
Many people are aware of how well the human body works and how everything we consume is broken down into essential nutrients and absorbed similarly.
But sometimes, the body fails to function correctly, and diagnosis is required to treat it. Before learning more about the blood urea normal range, you must know about the function of the liver that helps break down proteins. As it produces ammonia that later merges with urea, only kidneys can help eliminate that urea. Read the guide below to learn more about the BUN test.
What is the BUN or Blood Urea Nitrogen Test?
The Blood Urea Nitrogen Test is a test that is used to assess kidney function in your body by measuring nitrogen in your blood.
Why is This Test Done?
The BUN test and the blood creatinine test can help assess the functions of the kidney. It can also help evaluate other conditions that may damage your body.
What Are Some Other Conditions Diagnosed by the BUN Test?
If you find signs and symptoms of issues in your kidney, your doctor or a medical expert may advise for a BUN (blood urea test) along with a blood creatinine test to help diagnose the following conditions:
- Dehydration
- Proper effectiveness of dialysis if you are under treatment
- Kidney issues
- Liver damage
- Obstruction and infection in the urinary tract
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- A congestive heart failure.
Reasons to Opt for the BUN Test
When you begin witnessing the majority of symptoms that are given below, it indicates that you must undergo a BUN test. The symptoms are as follows:
- There will be joint pain
- There will be muscle cramps
- The sleeping pattern will be restless
- When there is a little damage in the kidney, you will experience frequent needs to urinate
- You may experience dizziness
- There will be pain in the mid back
- There may be swellings in the eyes, abdomen, face, arms or wrists
- There will be pain when you urinate
After you have undergone this BUN test to assess the kidney functions and they are not in the normal BUn range, you must properly follow the doctor’s instruction.
How Do You Prepare Before the BUN Test?
If you are aware that you are going to get tested for A BUN, you can eat or drink as per your regular habit. There is absolutely no need for you to fast or do similar things before you opt for the test. You must inform your doctor about any form of medication that you may be currently taking. Sometimes, all these can affect the test result, and this is why doctors may advise you to stop them for some time before the test.
What Should You Expect During the BUN test?
The sample collection process is simple, and only a little amount of blood is drawn out. You can choose to visit a nearby lab in your area or can also opt for the blood sample collection at your house.
Understanding the Results of the Test
Your result will be the number that will design the BUN level in your blood. The blood urea normal range is between 7 to 20 milligrams per deciliter. If your test results are not under that range, you can talk to your doctor. Multiple things can affect the BUN test results, which is why a BUN level higher or lower than the normal range doesn’t always indicate a problem.
Some of the things that may affect your BUN level may include the following:
- A low-protein diet may lead to lower BUN levels
- A high-protein diet may result in higher BUN levels
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Ageing
- Pregnancy
What Do High BUN Levels Mean?
When there are high BUN levels, it can indicate that there are multiple problems with your kidneys. You can talk to a medical expert to know what is causing the pain and plan the appropriate steps.
A high BUN level may indicate the following:
- Obstruction in the urinary tract
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Heart attack
- Shock
Bottom Line
If you think that there are problems in your kidney, you can opt to undergo the Blood Urea Nitrogen Test or BUN. You can associate with the medical experts of Apollo Hospital to opt for a BUN test. Contact them via the Ask Apollo site and the doctors over there will explain to you everything you want to know about the test and the solutions to any problem.
