What is Urea ?

Urea is produced when protein is broken down by the body and products of the breakdown are combined in a non-toxic form as urea by the liver. Urea is then circulated in the blood to the kidneys where it is eliminated from the body. Urea is the final breakdown product of the amino acids found in proteins. Nitrogen in the form of ammonia is produced in the liver when protein is broken down. The nitrogen combines with other chemicals in the liver to form the waste product urea. The urea is released into the bloodstream and carried to the kidneys where it is filtered out of the blood and excreted in the urine. Healthy kidneys remove more than 90% of the urea the body produces, so blood levels can show how well your kidneys are working.

Most diseases that affect the kidneys or liver can affect the amount of urea present in the blood. If increased amounts of urea are produced by the liver or decreased amounts are removed by the kidneys then blood urea concentrations will rise. If significant liver damage or disease reduces the production of urea then urea concentrations may fall.

What is the urea test used for?

A blood urea nitrogen test can provide insight into how well the kidneys are working. The test may be used for diagnosis, screening, and/or monitoring of kidney function.

What happens if blood urea is high?

A high Urea value can mean kidney injury or disease is present. Kidney damage can be caused by diabetes or high blood pressure that directly affects the kidneys. High BUN levels can also be caused by low blood flow to the kidneys caused by dehydration or heart failure.

What are the symptoms of high urea?

High Urea value may cause you to have some of the following symptoms:

• extreme tiredness or fatigue.
• cramping in your legs.
• little or no appetite.
• headache.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• trouble concentrating.