Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. Our science team is put through the strictest vetting process in the health industry and we often reject applicants who have written articles for many of the largest health websites that are deemed trustworthy. Our team comprises of trained MDs, PhDs, pharmacists, qualified scientists, and certified health and wellness specialists.Īll of our content is written by scientists and people with a strong science background. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. We believe that the most accurate information is found directly in the scientific source. Staying hydrated and consuming less protein can help lower blood urea nitrogen levels.SelfDecode has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed. Low levels of blood urea nitrogen can indicate a low-protein diet, severe liver damage, or malnutrition. What does a low blood urea nitrogen level mean? To find the root cause of your elevated blood urea level, additional testing will be required. Additionally, factors that cause decreased blood flow to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration, may cause elevated blood urea nitrogen levels. What causes high blood urea nitrogen?Įlevated blood urea nitrogen can result from complications related to diabetes or high blood pressure, conditions that block the flow of urine, such as kidney stones, or damage to your kidneys from an infection or autoimmune disease. While an elevated level usually indicates poor kidney function, it can also be due to other conditions, including dehydration, obstruction of the urinary tract, congestive heart failure, and bleeding in the GI tract. ¹ What does a high blood urea nitrogen level mean? The American Board of Internal Medicine considers the reference range for blood urea nitrogen to be 8–20 mg/dL ³, but this may be affected by your age and is dependent on the lab you use for your test. What is a normal blood urea nitrogen level? See creatinine for more information.Īdditional testing of kidney function may be needed if your blood urea nitrogen levels are abnormal. Since kidney damage can result in elevated levels of creatinine, testing this biomarker should also be considered. It can also be used, in conjunction with other blood tests, to help diagnose other diseases, including liver damage, urinary tract obstruction, congestive heart failure, and bleeding in the GI tract. Symptoms of kidney disease include changes to urinary function, swelling in your limbs, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue ². You should consider a blood urea nitrogen test if your healthcare professional believes you have kidney disease or if your kidney function needs to be assessed due to chronic conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure ¹. When should I test for blood urea nitrogen? Women may have lower blood urea levels during the second or third trimester of their pregnancies. Women and children tend to have lower blood urea levels, and all individuals tend to have rising blood urea levels as they age. Which factors affect blood urea nitrogen?Īge and sex are factors that can affect blood urea levels. High levels of urea nitrogen indicate that your kidneys may not be functioning well to filter your blood. The amount of urea nitrogen in your bloodstream, in conjunction with other biomarkers, can be used as an indicator of kidney health. Urea is a waste product produced by the liver, filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, and removed from the body in urine. Blood urea nitrogen is used to test how well your kidneys are working.
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