Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen Concentration C0438242
This test measures urea levels in blood, which can indicate how well the kidneys are working. Abnormal results may point to kidney disease or dehydration and usually require further testing.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- N28.9
- ICD-11
- GA00.0
- Body system
- renal
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Confusion
Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, or remembering simple things.
Seek immediate care if confusion comes on suddenly or is severe.
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath, even at rest.
Seek immediate emergency care for sudden or severe difficulty breathing.
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that interferes with daily activities.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Nausea
(gastrointestinal)Feeling of wanting to vomit, often accompanied by stomach discomfort.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Dry mouth
(constitutional)Feeling of dryness in the mouth due to decreased saliva production.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Decreased urine output
(renal)Reduced amount of urine produced, often appearing darker than normal.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Swelling
(cardiovascular)Fluid buildup causing puffiness, typically in legs, ankles, or around eyes.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Itchy skin
(dermatologic)Persistent itching without visible rash, often worse at night.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Bad taste in mouth
(constitutional)Persistent metallic or ammonia-like taste, often described as unpleasant.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Protein intake modification
Dietary protein restriction or supplementation based on whether BUN is elevated or decreased. For elevated BUN, reducing protein intake减轻肾脏负担 while ensuring adequate nutrition. For decreased BUN, increasing protein sources may help restore normal levels.
Renal disease management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Kidney function and hydration monitoring
Regular monitoring of serum BUN, creatinine, and hydration status to identify trends and underlying causes. Serial measurements help differentiate between renal and prerenal causes of abnormal BUN concentration.
Additional treatment options
Hydration management
Appropriate fluid intake adjustment based on BUN abnormality. For elevated BUN suggesting dehydration, increasing oral fluid intake. For low BUN, ensuring adequate but not excessive hydration.
lifestyleMedication review and adjustment
Review of current medications that may affect BUN levels, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, or ACE inhibitors. Adjusting dosages or substituting alternatives as needed to restore normal BUN balance.
medicationRenal support supplements
Natural compounds that may support kidney function and BUN balance, such as omega-3 fatty acids or specific botanical preparations. These should complement rather than replace conventional medical management.
complementaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen Concentration C0438242?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Acute Kidney Injury Work Group. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury. Kidney Int Suppl. 2012;2(1):1-138.
National Kidney Foundation. K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation, Classification, and Stratification. Am J Kidney Dis. 2002;39(2 Suppl 1):S1-266.
Schrier RW, Wang W, Poole B, Mitra A. Acute renal failure: definitions, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and therapy. J Clin Invest. 2004;114(1):5-14.
Brenner BM, Rector FC. Brenner & Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2019.
American Society of Nephrology. Current Approaches to Acute Kidney Injury: A Consensus Statement. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2020;15(10):1532-1542.
Coca SG, Yalavarthy R, Concato J, Parikh CR. Biomarkers for the diagnosis and risk stratification of acute kidney injury: a systematic review. Kidney Int. 2008;73(9):1008-1016.
Pannu N, Klarenbach S, Wiebe N, et al. Renal replacement therapy in patients with acute kidney injury: a systematic review. JAMA. 2008;299(7):793-805.
Lameire NH, Bagga A, Cruz D, et al. Acute kidney injury: an increasing global concern. Lancet. 2013;382(9887):170-179.
Renal Disease: Classification and Prognosis. In: Massry SG, Glassock RJ, editors. Massry & Glassock's Textbook of Nephrology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.
Acute Kidney Injury Work Group. Renal Association Clinical Practice Guidelines on Acute Kidney Injury. Nephron Clin Pract. 2015;131(1-4):e1-e72.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen Concentration C0438242. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy