The serum consequence of protein metabolism is blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This is one of the oldest heart failure prognostic indicators. The liver produces urea, which is then transported by that of the blood to kidneys for elimination. As the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines owing to sick or injured kidneys, BUN builds up in the blood. BUN levels can be raised by conditions like heart failure, shock, a high-protein diet, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
A chemical called ammonia is produced if proteins are digested by our body. The ammonia is subsequently changed to urea in the liver, which then travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys, in which it is expelled as a waste product in urine.
As a result, blood tests can be used to assess the BUN level, or the blood urea nitrogen, in our body, which is a key sign of liver and, more importantly, kidney health.
BUN levels in the blood is varies from 8 to 18 milligrammes per deciliter. Each laboratory which analyzes these values could have somewhat different ranges, but it’s not something We want you to worry about right now.
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is used to detect how well your kidneys are working. It determines the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. The waste product of breakdown of proteins in the liver is urea nitrogen. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter urea nitrogen, which is then excreted in the urine. When the liver or kidneys are damaged, the BUN levels rise. As a result, maintaining normal blood urea nitrogen levels is critical.
Normal BUN Levels
The typical range for blood urea nitrogen levels is 7 to 22 mg/dL. A result of more than 50 mg/dL shows the presence of an underlying medical condition.
BUN levels vary by gender and age, as well as during pregnancy. In general, BUN levels rise as people get older. BUN levels in the toddlers are approximately 66 percent of those in a healthy adult. Adults over the age of 60 have higher levels than young adults.
Abnormal BUN Levels
When the blood urea nitrogen levels are not in the range of normal BUN levels, then it is considered as abnormal BUN levels.
An increase in BUN might be caused by a loss in renal function due to disease or kidney injury. However, compared to the creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), it is a less specific predictor of impaired kidney function. This is due to the fact that BUN levels can fluctuate regardless of renal function.
If we consume a low-protein diet, our BUN levels may be low, but if we eat a high-protein diet, our BUN levels may rise. Internal bleeding (haemorrhage), traumas, and glucocorticoid therapy can all cause an elevation in BUN. A decreased BUN value might also be caused by liver illness.
Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle wear and tear in your blood. Because the kidneys are in charge of removing creatinine from blood, if your renal function deteriorates, your blood creatinine levels will rise.
Kidney function is assessed by measuring creatinine levels. They’re commonly tested using BUN, (blood urea nitrogen), which is a kidney function measurement. These tests together give you an idea of how well your kidneys are operating, but the best approach to tell when your kidneys are functioning properly is to assess your glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine Levels
Blood tests such as creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) can disclose a lot regarding your metabolism, liver, kidney, and overall health. While the BUN/creatinine ratio could be utilised separately, it can assist pinpoint key concerns.
The lab tests creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) are frequently requested as part of a full metabolic panel. This panel may be ordered by your doctor to determine your overall metabolism and health.
The BUN/Creatinine ratio is lie between 5 and 20 mg/dL in the normal range.
The BUN/creatinine ratio rises with age and decreases with muscle mass.
Conclusion
The level of urea is determined by detecting the nitrogen inside the molecule in a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test. The presence of high urea levels in the blood indicates that many physiological systems, particularly the kidneys, are malfunctioning.
Abnormal BUN levels are defined as blood urea nitrogen levels that do not fall within the normal BUN range.
A loss of renal function due to disease or kidney damage could induce an increase in BUN.
Our BUN levels may be low if we eat a low-protein diet, but they may rise if we eat a high-protein diet.
The basic range for blood urea nitrogen levels is 7 to 22 mg/dL. A result of more than 50 mg/dL defines the presence of an underlying medical condition.