BUN blood test
Healthy kidneys filter urea nitrogen through the urine. The BUN blood test measures the urea nitrogen levels in your blood as an indicator of the efficiency of the kidneys. BUN - Blood Urea Nitrogen blood test indicates the functioning of the kidneys. The BUN concentration is measured by analysis of serum or plasma. It is also done to check for efficiency of dialysis. BUN blood test measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood. BUN blood test results can be compared with creatinine test to check for dehydration. BUN - creatinine ratio can throw light on kidney functioning.
BUN blood test levels
Normal BUN blood levels are 7 - 20 mg/dl. Abnormal levels of BUN are usually indicative of renal failure or bleeding into the stomach or intestines. High levels of BUN in the blood can mean congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, urinary tract obstruction or myocardial infarction. BUN blood levels are noticed to be higher in diabetics. This is due to accumulated stress on the kidneys over years. This leads to kidney failure and dysfunction. Acute dehydration raised BUN blood levels due to inadequate level of fluids in the body. Lower levels of BUN in the blood may suggest malnutrition or liver failure. Some women notice decrease in BUN level in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Acute Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a medical condition where the glomeruli in the kidneys become inflamed. The glomeruli are involved in the removal of uremic waste. Acute Glomerulonephritis occurs when the inflammation is sudden and severe. Children in the age group 2 - 12 years are more likely to suffer Acute Glomerulonephritis. This disease can also affect those suffering from diabetes, hepatitis or lupus. Typically Acute glomerulonephritis follows a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat, tonsillitis or scarlet fever. Viral infections such as HIV or hepatitis B or hepatitis C can bring on an attack of acute glomerulonephritis.
Symptoms of glomerulonephritis include fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite. There might be flu-like symptoms including fever. Joint pains and blood in the sputum are also noticed in patients suffering from glomerulonephritis. Shortness of breath and high blood pressure may be experienced. There might be blood and protein in the urine. Often Chronic glomerulonephritis is not manifested in any symptoms and is discovered only with a physical examination. Complications such as high blood pressure and kidney failure can occur if it is left untreated.
Mild cases of glomerulonephritis are not treated unless the symptoms become severe. CT scan allows the doctor to visualize the kidneys. Urine is checked for increased levels of protein. Blood tests reveal any streptococcal antibodies or low blood count. A biopsy is often done to determine the cause for Glomerulonephritis.
Treatment for acute glomerulonephritis involves improving the functioning of the kidneys and reducing the damage to the glomeruli. A diet with reduced intake of sodium, protein and fluids is recommended. The patient suffering from acute glomerulonephritis is advised bed rest to facilitate better blood flow to the kidneys. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat residual infection. Diuretics aid in better output of urine. In cases of renal failure, temporary dialysis or kidney transplant are considered.
Abdominal CAT scan
CAT scans are particularly used to study with clarity several organs in the abdominal regions of the body namely liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. Many causes of abdominal pain are diagnosed using specialized CT equipments for interpreting CT scans of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the colon and the rectum. Abscess in the abdomen, inflammation of the colon or colon cancer, diverticulitis and appendicitis are diagnosed. When severe pain is caused by an infection or inflammation, the speed, ease and accuracy of a CT examination can reduce the risk of serious complications caused by a burst appendix or an erupted diverticulum and the subsequent spread of the infection. Especially in cases of bowel obstruction, CT is the best imaging test recommended.
Bibliography / Reference
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