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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@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/

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Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

@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/

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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.

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Profile picture for mpeters @mpeters

Are you drinking enough water?

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I drink about 64 ounces per day. Sometimes more.

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Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

@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/

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

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Profile picture for judithcullumber @judithcullumber

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

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what medicines affect the ratio

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Profile picture for judithcullumber @judithcullumber

what medicines affect the ratio

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

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Profile picture for judithcullumber @judithcullumber

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

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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.

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Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

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.

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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?

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@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”.

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