High BUN? Common Causes

High BUN? Common Causes Explained in Plain Language

If you’ve been told you have a high BUN, you may be wondering what that means and whether you should worry. BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, and it is measured through a common lab test called the Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN). This test helps doctors understand how well your kidneys are working and how your body is handling protein waste.

A high BUN level does not automatically mean something serious, but it is an important signal that deserves attention. Below, we’ll walk through what BUN is, what causes it to rise, and when it’s important to speak with a doctor.

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What Is the Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN)?

The Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN) measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea is a waste product created when your body breaks down protein from food. Your liver produces urea, and your kidneys filter it out into your urine.

In simple terms:

• Healthy kidneys keep BUN in a normal range
• High BUN means urea is building up in the blood

Most labs consider a normal BUN range to be about 7–20 mg/dL, though this can vary slightly by lab and age.

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What Does a High BUN Mean?

A high BUN level usually means one of three things:

1. Your kidneys are not removing waste efficiently
2. Your body is producing more urea than usual
3. There is reduced blood flow to the kidneys

Importantly, BUN is not used alone to diagnose disease. Doctors often interpret it alongside creatinine, urine tests, symptoms, and medical history.

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Common Causes of High BUN

1. Dehydration (One of the Most Common Causes)

Dehydration is a very common and often reversible cause of high BUN.

When you don’t drink enough fluids:

• Blood becomes more concentrated
• Kidneys receive less blood flow
• Urea builds up in the bloodstream

Common dehydration triggers include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever
• Heavy sweating
• Not drinking enough water

In many cases, rehydration brings BUN levels back to normal.

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2. Kidney Conditions

Since kidneys remove urea, any condition that affects them can raise BUN.

Examples include:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Acute kidney injury
• Kidney infections
• Blocked urine flow (from stones or an enlarged prostate)

High BUN related to kidney disease often appears alongside high creatinine and abnormal urine findings.

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3. High Protein Intake

Eating a lot of protein can temporarily increase BUN because:

• Protein breakdown creates more urea
• The liver produces more urea to handle the load

This is commonly seen in people who:

• Follow high-protein diets
• Use protein supplements
• Have recently increased meat intake

In otherwise healthy individuals, this is usually not dangerous, but it should still be interpreted carefully.

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4. Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Bleeding in the stomach or intestines can raise BUN because:

• Blood proteins are digested
• This increases urea production

Signs that may suggest internal bleeding include:

• Black or tarry stools
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

This cause of high BUN requires medical evaluation.

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5. Reduced Blood Flow to the Kidneys

Anything that lowers blood flow to the kidneys can cause BUN to rise, such as:

• Heart failure
• Severe infection (sepsis)
• Shock
• Major blood loss

In these cases, the kidneys may be structurally normal but are not getting enough circulation to function well.

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6. Certain Medications

Some medications can raise BUN levels, especially when combined with dehydration or kidney stress.

Common examples include:

• Diuretics (“water pills”)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Some antibiotics
• Steroids

Never stop a medication on your own—always discuss concerns with your doctor.

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7. Aging

BUN levels tend to rise slightly with age due to:

• Natural changes in kidney filtration
• Lower muscle mass and hydration differences

Mild elevation in older adults is common but still monitored carefully.

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Symptoms That May Occur With High BUN

High BUN itself does not cause symptoms, but the underlying condition might.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Confusion (in severe cases)
• Changes in urination

If you notice blood in your urine, that can be an important clue. You may want to consider a free, online symptom check for Blood in urine to help decide your next steps.

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How Doctors Evaluate High BUN

Doctors rarely rely on the Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN) alone. They often combine it with:

• Creatinine levels
• BUN-to-creatinine ratio
• Urinalysis
• Imaging studies (if needed)
• Review of diet, hydration, and medications

This full picture helps determine whether the cause is mild and temporary or more serious.

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When Is High BUN Serious?

High BUN may be more concerning if it:

• Is rising quickly
• Occurs with high creatinine
• Is accompanied by symptoms
• Persists despite hydration

Seek medical care promptly if high BUN is associated with:

• Confusion
• Severe weakness
• Chest pain
• Very low urine output
• Signs of internal bleeding

These situations can be life-threatening and require urgent care.

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Can High BUN Be Lowered?

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:

• Improving hydration
• Adjusting protein intake
• Treating infections
• Managing heart or kidney disease
• Reviewing medications

Many cases of high BUN improve once the underlying issue is addressed.

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Key Takeaways

• The Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN) measures how much protein waste is in your blood
• High BUN has many possible causes, not all of them serious
• Dehydration is one of the most common and easily corrected causes
• Kidney function, medications, diet, and circulation all matter
• BUN should always be interpreted in context

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Final Word: Speak to a Doctor

If your BUN level is high, don’t ignore it, but also don’t panic. Many causes are manageable, especially when caught early. If you have symptoms, abnormal urine findings, or conditions that could be serious or life-threatening, it’s important to speak to a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.

Your health is best protected when lab results are viewed as information—not a diagnosis—and followed up with professional care.