BUN Results High

Posted by dablues @dablues, Jul 14, 2021

I have an enlarged Kidney and the doctors watch it. They have done a CT Scan, Ultrasound, etc. There appeared to be a small stone but hasn't grown so nothing is being done. I just had blood work and Bun and Bun/Creatinine Ratios are high. First is 23 and the second reading 33. I'm dropping off my blood results to my Urologists today. I went to a neurologist for symptoms I've been having and he took a lot of blood work.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 15, 2021

@dablues - Have you discussed the BUN results with your doctor? Here's some information I found on the test.

"Normal BUN levels can vary, but generally a high level of blood urea nitrogen is a sign that your kidneys are not working correctly. However, abnormal results don't always indicate that you have a medical condition needing treatment. Higher than normal BUN levels can also be caused by dehydration, burns, certain medicines, a high protein diet, or other factors, including your age. BUN levels normally increase as you get older. To learn what your results mean, talk to your health care provider." -- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/bun-blood-urea-nitrogen/

mpeters | @mpeters | Jul 15, 2021

Are you drinking enough water?

dablues | @dablues | Jul 15, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "@dablues - Have you discussed the BUN results with your doctor? Here's some information I found..." + (show)

I dropped off my results to my urologist with a note stating my concerns and if they need to see me sooner than my scheduled appointment in October to call me. So am waiting to hear from them.

dablues | @dablues | Jul 15, 2021

In reply to @mpeters "Are you drinking enough water?" + (show)

I drink about 64 ounces per day. Sometimes more.

judithcullumber | @judithcullumber | Mar 26, 2022

In reply to @johnbishop "@dablues - Have you discussed the BUN results with your doctor? Here's some information I found..." + (show)

my bun/lcreatinine level went from 25 last yr to 38 one yr later.

judithcullumber | @judithcullumber | Mar 26, 2022

In reply to @judithcullumber "my bun/lcreatinine level went from 25 last yr to 38 one yr later." + (show)

what medicines affect the ratio

judithcullumber | @judithcullumber | Mar 26, 2022

In reply to @judithcullumber "what medicines affect the ratio" + (show)

How do I find out what foods and medicine effect this rtion?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 26, 2022

In reply to @judithcullumber "How do I find out what foods and medicine effect this rtion?" + (show)

Welcome @judithcullumber, This article lists some of the common medications that can affect the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test --- https://www.healthline.com/health/bun. It also says that high or low protein intake may affect the test. This is really a question you should ask your healthcare provider.

closetmonster93 | @closetmonster93 | Jan 26 3:11pm

In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @judithcullumber, This article lists some of the common medications that can affect the Blood Urea..." + (show)

This is an area of concern that I cannot seem to get any help from any doctor on. My Bun levels have been high for nearly 6 years now and every doctor I see just says its normal. How is a bun level normal at 23? I am not dehydrated, dont have burns or on anything other than a AED that may or may not be the cause. My kidneys are bothering me, but every doctor I see, says its normal. Please explain how this is normal?

Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Jan 27 12:27am

@closetmonster93 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have a BUN much higher than yours. Then again I have chronic Kidney disease (CKD) stage 4. I have always been told the creatinine # is more important than the BUN. (I saw that some people here were having tests that showed a ratio of the two things?) How are your kidneys bothering you? If you don’t mind me asking. It sounds like you know lab levels. So the next time a doctor tells you something is normal, you should have a discussion about the levels and your doctor should know that “your kidneys are bothering you”.