Is BUN 138 high, normal or dangerous? What does Blood urea nitrogen level 138 mean?

📅 Medical Review Date: September 25, 2025

Your BUN level of 138 is a High BUN level.

A BUN level of 138 mg/dL usually means the kidneys are not filtering waste products properly or the body is dehydrated. It suggests reduced kidney function. High levels of BUN can cause fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, swelling in feet and ankles, and decreased urine output. This can be caused by dehydration, kidney failure, heart failure, or urinary tract obstruction. Further tests are often needed to identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

High BUN levels may indicate underlying health problems. The normal range is typically between 6 mg/dL and 20 mg/dL. If your levels are outside this range, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider. Consulting a doctor is recommended to determine the cause and appropriate next steps.

Important - Scroll to the end of this article to see how our patients managed their high BUN levels

The normal BUN range for men is :6 - 20 mg/dL

**Ideal values of BUN depending on age (male) :**
Age	Ideal BUN value
<5 years	6.083
5-10 years	6.167
10-15 years	6.252
15-20 years	6.338
20-25 years	6.425
25-30 years	6.514
30-35 years	6.604
35-40 years	6.695
40-45 years	6.787
45-50 years	6.881
50-55 years	6.976
55-60 years	7.072
60-70 years	7.17
70-80 years	7.269
80-90 years	7.369
90-100 years	7.471
>100 years	7.574

*Ideal values are calculated based on our database of patient records

Get Advice via Email : Send us your blood test report, and our BUN experts will review it. You'll receive a detailed analysis and personalized treatment guidance via email within 12 hours. If you have additional blood test results besides BUN, please include those too—an accurate diagnosis often requires a full view of all abnormalities. Upload blood test report now

1,51,150

Total number of patients treated

Important - Read more questions about high BUN levels after this video message

A video message on the treatment of your high BUN level

If you want your blood test report to be interpreted by BUN specialist, you can upload your report. Our BUN expert will provide you with the most accurate interpretation of your blood test results and treatment within 12 hours.Upload blood test report now

Important - At the end of this article read how our patients treated their high BUN levels

Some examples of conditions that increase or decrease BUN levels include:

Kidney failure
Decreased blood flow to the kidneys
Congestive heart failure
Dehydration
Conditions that can block the flow of urine

Receive world-class medical opinion about your high BUN levels over email.Upload blood test report now

Important - At the end of this article read how our patients treated their high BUN levels

Also Read :How our patients treated their high bun?

You can learn techniques to reduce high BUN levels by reading this 100 page eBook. This book is written by a patient himself and reviewed by the doctors of Medchunk. Read eBook here.

Normal range of BUN found among women :6-20 mg/dL

**Ideal values of BUN depending on age (female) :**
Age	Ideal BUN value
<5 years	6.085
5-10 years	6.171
10-15 years	6.259
15-20 years	6.348
20-25 years	6.438
25-30 years	6.53
30-35 years	6.623
35-40 years	6.717
40-45 years	6.812
45-50 years	6.909
50-55 years	7.007
55-60 years	7.107
60-70 years	7.208
70-80 years	7.31
80-90 years	7.414
90-100 years	7.519
>100 years	7.626

Also Read :Symptoms of High BUN

Can Low or High BUN cause Heart Problems?

Read on to know how abnormal BUN affects heart

Know more

If you take a BUN blood test and the results are not in the normal range (6-20 mg/dL), your physician may recommend more tests to figure out the problem. You might also get this test if your physician thinks you have some other disease.

Important :How our patients treated their high bun?

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How the BUN Test Is Done :

When your doctor orders a BUN test, it involves a straightforward blood draw to measure your BUN levels. A pathologist or lab technician will take a small sample of blood from a vein using a needle. Your BUN test results are usually available within a few hours.