What drugs can raise urea in the blood. Urea Changes: Physiological Causes

Urea is end product of protein breakdown in the human body (and any other mammals).

This substance takes an indirect part in the removal of nitrogen compounds from the blood and in the regulation of salt metabolism.

What level of urea in the blood is considered the norm in women, we will find out further.

What it is?

Urea (uric acid) is the end product of protein metabolism.

In fact, it is a substance that subsequently is metabolized by the body through the kidneys along with urine. Urea is synthesized mainly in the liver. After - circulates through the circulatory system and is excreted through the urinary system.

Its presence in the blood does not indicate the presence of any disease. On the contrary, urea is necessarily synthesized during normal liver function. But the deviation of its level from the norm in adults can indicate a number of diseases associated primarily with the cardiovascular system, kidneys and liver.

Also, the level of urea necessarily decreases if the human diet contains a minimum inclusion of protein foods.

According to current WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines, the norm of urea in a healthy person considered as follows:

newborns - from 1.7 to 5 mmol / l;
children under 14 years old - from 1.8 to 6.4 mmol / l;
women - from 2.4 to 6.6 mmol / l, after 60 years 2.9-7.5 mmol / l;
men - 2.7-7.4 mmol / l, after 60 years 2.8-7.5 mmol / l;
in pregnant women - from 2 to 4.5 mmol / l.

The level of urea in the blood depends largely on the performance of the urinary system and liver. For example, when taking diuretics, the level decreases slightly (on average, by 0.5 mmol / l).

Doctors also note that the older the age, the higher the level of urea (see table). It is related to natural poor performance of the kidneys, as well as with an increase in the concentration of sodium - all this indicates a violation of the water-salt metabolism in the human body.

How is the current amount of urea in the blood determined? For this, it is carried out biochemical analysis. Blood is taken from a vein and always on an empty stomach.

Causes of deviation from the norm

To level up may result in the following factors:

high concentration in the blood;
adherence to a diet where the main diet is protein food (for example, when building muscle mass);
an increase in the volume of circulating blood (for example, with the introduction of saline or droppers);

hepatic dysfunction;
decreased sensitivity to hormones and enzymes that directly regulate the metabolic process;
some genetic diseases (in which the normal process of protein breakdown in the body is disrupted).

Symptoms of high or low levels

Uric acid does not have a pronounced toxic effect, so a slight deviation from the norm does not in any way affect your well-being. But if the level of urea rises to 10 mmol/l and above, then there are symptoms of intoxication:

In the most difficult cases, doctors diagnose uremic coma- this is a kind of protective function of the body, when all physiological and metabolic processes in the body stop in order to protect vital organs from damage by a toxin (in this case, uric acid).

It should also be noted that an increase in the level of urea in most cases is complemented by a violation of the biochemical composition of the blood, which aggravates the situation with intoxication. The norm of cholesterol (low-density lipids) and leukocytes (for example, with pyelonephritis) may increase abruptly.

A decrease in the level of urea is a rare occurrence. It is not accompanied by any symptoms, but at the same time, the patient may have a stomach ache in the liver area - this indicates an inflammatory process. And precisely because of hepatic dysfunction urea level drops sharply.

How to reduce urea in the body?

In critical cases, doctors refer the patient to - with his help, toxins and products of the biochemical breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids are removed from the blood. Further, the work of the liver, kidneys, urinary and endocrine systems is normalized.

For a quick withdrawal of nitrogen derivatives The following medications may be prescribed:

Larnamin;
Oricetil;
Lespenefril.

But it is worth considering - these drugs are quite toxic, so they should be taken strictly on the recommendation of a doctor (he also determines the optimal dosage).

AT at home you can quickly lower urea in the blood with the help of. Also helpful:

decoction of field horsetail;
infusion;
rosehip tea;
infusion of fresh blackcurrant leaves.

But the effect of the above folk remedies is temporary. Nevertheless, an overestimated rate of urea in most cases means diseases of the kidneys and urinary system, respectively, it normalizes only after the primary cause has been eliminated.

What danger is the excess of urea in the blood, find out from the video:

When the urea in the blood is lowered, this indicates a violation in the body. Urea itself is a consequence of the breakdown of proteins. Its producing organ is the liver, and the excretory organ is the kidney. With the normal functioning of the system, its amount in the blood does not go beyond a certain range. If the indicators go beyond the norm, there is reason to worry. Probably, there were problems with vital organs. A biochemical blood test, which will be prescribed by the attending physician, will help to identify such a phenomenon.

Normal content

Urea is essentially a waste product that is naturally excreted from the body. In comparison with other "output" products (acetone, ammonia, phenol, cyanate), it does not have toxic properties, because it is ammonia neutralized by the liver.

In healthy people, normal serum levels are between 2.5 and 8.3 mmol/l (which equates to 630 mg per liter). Children have a lower level, it has a value of approximately 1.4-6.4 mmol / l. In infants during the first three days of life, it is much higher and is equal to the level of an adult. This is due to the manifestation of physical azotemia due to increased catabolism. In simple terms, a newborn in the first days of life does not have the necessary intake of fluid into the body, which causes a similar effect. Normalization occurs approximately on the 7th day.

In cases of high temperature, the indicators can also be increased.

In women, the norm is slightly lower than in men. And in elderly people, it is slightly higher, which is associated with age-related disorders in the functioning of the kidneys (their inability to concentrate urine). A normal level of urea in the blood, what does it mean, is a sign that everything is in order with the kidneys, liver and muscle tissue. The fact is that the concentration of urea is an indicator that:

the kidneys cope with their task and, together with urine, remove all unnecessary substances from the body;
the liver works properly and neutralizes ammonia toxic to the body;
in the muscle tissue is the necessary amount of protein, because urea is a product of its breakdown.

If the level of urea in the blood is below normal, this may indicate a lack of protein, which is necessary for the human body.

Reasons for low concentration

The reasons for the decrease in the concentration of this substance are very diverse. Low urea can indicate both minor changes in a person's diet and significant disorders associated with acquired diseases of the internal organs. A decrease in the level of urea can sometimes be evidence of the following conditions:

To understand the causes of reduced urea, you need to seek the advice of a doctor.

Symptoms and diagnosis of such disorders

If the level of urea is low, the symptoms, as a rule, do not always begin to manifest themselves in full, and may even be absent. Some symptoms indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys that can lower urea:

decrease and complete lack of appetite;
persistent swelling of the peritoneum;
belching with a bitter taste;
discomfort under the right rib;
body weight is sharply reduced;
there is renal discomfort;
constant weakness is felt in the muscles of the body;
the human body or certain parts of it swell;
feeling constantly tired.

Such symptoms are the reason for contacting a medical institution, since the cause may be diseases that disrupt the functioning of vital organs.

To diagnose a violation of the normal level of urea, the patient needs to do a biochemical blood test. They do it in the morning. Before the procedure, eating and drinking is not recommended. A laboratory medical study will help determine the amount of a protein substance in the patient's blood serum. After receiving the results of the tests, the attending physician will conduct an additional examination. This will help to identify possible pathologies that affect metabolic processes in the body.

How to increase the level of by-product of metabolism

A decrease in urea in the blood is a rather rare phenomenon, but it exists. If the cause of such a violation is not hidden in a serious pathological disease, this level can be increased. How to treat deviation? For example, revise your menu. If a person does not consume foods that contain protein, the phenomenon when urea is lowered is quite natural. Foods containing a large amount of protein are meat, fish and milk. Pregnant women need to pay special attention to their diet. Indeed, in this case, all useful substances are divided into two.

To monitor the full functioning of your organs, it is recommended to periodically take a blood test.

If the cause was any disease, you need to start treating it. With the elimination of urea-reducing deviations, the required level of urea will return to normal. In this case, a set of necessary procedures is carried out to restore the work of organs.

Impaired protein synthesis, a decrease in urea is a consequence of a problem with vital organs. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of changes in the body, you need to consult a doctor.

In contact with

The slightest malfunction of the urinary system can adversely affect the state of the whole organism.

If the process of removing toxins and metabolic products is disturbed, urea in the blood changes its concentration and composition. An increase in the level of uric acid in the blood is an alarming symptom that threatens with serious complications (development of gout,). What causes this pathology, and how to treat it?

The composition and indicators of the norm

Urea in the body (uric acid) is an organic substance responsible for the removal of nitrogen from the body. Produced and synthesized in the liver. Urea consists of special elements - purines.

Their high content is observed in some foods (liver, red meats, beer, legumes). With the abuse of such food, the level of urea (uric acid) in the blood increases. The disease is called hyperuricemia and requires urgent treatment.

for women - from 2.2 to 6.7 mmol / l;
for the male body - 3.8-7.3 mmol / l;
for the elderly, the indicator may be higher by 0.1-0.2 mmol / l;
in a child's body, the level can drop to 1.4 mmol / l.

For reference! The concentration of uric acid in the body of pregnant women is reduced (the norm is 1.5-5.3). This is due to increased blood circulation and greater stress on the kidneys.

All reasons for the increase: why is the indicator above the norm?

According to statistics, hyperuricemia (or excess of the upper limit of the norm) is more common in men. Such a phenomenon may be intermittent and manifest itself in the form of jumps.

Factors - an excess of protein, excessive stress on the body, an exhausting diet or alcohol abuse. In most cases, the composition of the blood returns to normal after the cause is eliminated.

Pathological conditions or chronic diseases affect the increase in the rate of the norm.

Persistent increase in blood pressure (above 140/90). An excess of urea (carbamide) in the blood disrupts the functioning of the kidneys and contributes to the progression of the underlying disease.
The kidneys cannot cope with the excretion of uric acid due to chronic insufficiency, with polycystic or acidosis.
Uric acid in the blood is often elevated with an excess of cholesterol and lipoproteins.
Uncontrolled medication intake. Diuretics, drugs for tuberculosis, aspirin affect the urea content in the blood. Chemotherapy in oncology also causes the development of hyperuricemia.
Chronic diseases of the endocrine system - diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism (lack of parathyroid hormone).
A number of other pathologies - eczema, psoriasis, blood diseases (leukemia, anemia).
There is also an asymptomatic increase in the level of urea (occurs without obvious clinical signs). Dangerous risk of death.

It's important to know! How to understand that the level of urea in the blood is increased? Defining signs - pulling pain in the kidneys, difficulty urinating.

Uric acid in the blood also rises due to. Frequent consumption of smoked meats, sprats, fried meat and similar delicacies leads to serious violations.

Also (the “bone” sticks out). Another obvious symptom is an unpleasant odor from a person.

More about the reasons:

Diet high in protein. Urea synthesis in the liver increases and outstrips excretion through the kidneys.
Prolonged fasting. There is an increased breakdown of protein compounds, as a result, urea is synthesized uncontrollably.
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The production of uric acid increases, as the blood from the gastrointestinal tract is a high-protein "food".
Dehydration (dehydration). Urea from the kidney filter begins to be absorbed into the blood.

Urea in the blood is increased: causes, how to treat ?

What to do if the urea level is low?

A decrease in the content of uric acid in the blood is rare. Urea in the blood is lowered in liver diseases (cirrhosis, inflammation, hepatitis) or during pregnancy.

It's important to know! A low number of urea in the blood is a reason to seek help. If the reason for this phenomenon lies in, there is a threat of poisoning the body with ammonia.

It is possible to normalize blood composition indicators,. It is also important to undergo an examination to identify the causes of a decrease in the level of urea. Further treatment depends on the information received.

General information about treatment

If the urea in the blood is lowered (the reasons have not been identified), then how to treat this condition depends on the diagnostic data. Among the research methods are urea analysis and ultrasound of the kidneys.

Further therapy is aimed at reducing the rate by purifying the blood. With advanced intoxication, dialysis (cleaning) is used with the help of an artificial kidney - metabolic products are removed from the blood, the chemical composition is enriched and normalized.

The general algorithm of therapy includes:

drug blocking of urea synthesis in the liver (Anturan, Benemid, Urodan is prescribed);
acceleration of the withdrawal of excess uric acid with the help of diuretics (Furosemide, Diacarb, Lasix);
adjusting the daily diet and prescribing a therapeutic diet;
compliance with the water balance (drink at least 2-2.5 liters of purified water per day).

As an additional tool for the accelerated removal of excess urea, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs are prescribed to the patient. The course of admission is 4 weeks. In the presence of gout - complex treatment (compresses, tablets, ointments). All medicines are selected individually, taking into account the causes of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

In order to prevent, you can drink special drugs - Allopurinol and its analogues, Colchicine. These drugs gradually block the synthesis of urea in the liver. This type of treatment takes a long time. The appropriate dosage is selected only by the attending physician.

Turning to traditional medicine

Remember that alternative therapy methods are only additional measures to the main treatment therapy. It is forbidden to use homemade recipes without prior consultation.

From useful folk recipes for normalizing blood composition, you can drink a decoction of wild rose, fresh juices or tea from lingonberry leaves. St. John's wort, chamomile, quinoa are also used for treatment.

Grind birch leaves, pour boiling water (in the proportion of 2 tablespoons to 2 cups). Boil for an additional 8-10 minutes. Infuse for 20 minutes, drink ¼ cup with each meal.
Cut pear branches, pour boiling water (1 tablespoon per glass). Hold in a water bath for 3-6 minutes, let it brew. Drink even portions throughout the day.
Seeds of wild carrots pour hot water (steam and drink like tea).

Summing up: what is important to remember?

The key to a quick recovery is diet. The patient needs to reduce the consumption of proteins and saturate the diet with plant foods. It is extremely important to get rid of the signs of obesity - protein metabolism normalizes on its own after losing extra pounds.

For reference! It is important to take care of mental health - avoid stress and prevent overwork.

Sour-milk products (kefir, low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream) should be present in the daily diet. It is permissible to eat 1 egg per day. In summer, it is recommended to lean on watermelons to reduce the synthesis and excretion of urea. Bread is preferable to bran. Be sure to arrange a fasting day once a week.

If you notice any abnormalities in the functioning of the body, contact your doctor without delay. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and doctor's recommendations will help maintain health for many years.

Urea is the end product of the metabolism of proteins, or rather nitrogen of amino acids. Urea is produced by the liver during protein synthesis and is excreted by the kidneys in the urine.

The balance of this component in the blood makes it possible to judge the efficiency of the kidneys, and any deviation from the norm in the concentration of urea should be alarming.

Elevated urea in a blood test, as a rule, indicates chronic or acute kidney disease. Very often, against the background of kidney diseases, simultaneously with an increase in the concentration of urea in the blood, its content in the urine decreases (due to poor functioning of the kidneys, urea in the blood begins to accumulate).

It should be noted that urea and uric acid are different substances. Uric acid is mainly formed due to the breakdown of complex nucleic acids.

The rate of urea in the blood

In adults, the level of urea is determined by the method of a biochemical blood test. For this, blood is taken from a vein located on the elbow. In order for the results to be reliable, it is recommended to donate blood in the morning and on an empty stomach (only drinking water is allowed).

The normal indicator of urea content is determined depending on the age and sex of the person.

newborns 1.7-5.0;
children under 1 year 1.4-5.4;
children under 15 years old 1.8-6.7;
adult women 2.0-6.7;
adult men 2.8-8.0.

Quantity level urea in the blood depends on three factors:

indicative level of amino acids in the body of protein metabolism (the amount of ammonia produced depends on them);
the state of the liver (the conversion of ammonia into urea depends);
kidney condition (urea excretion from the body).

During the increased intake of protein foods, and with significant destruction of proteins in the body, the formation of ammonia, and hence urea, increases.

When is this test ordered?

This indicator gives doctors an idea of the excretory function of the kidneys - their ability to remove unnecessary substances in the urine. According to its concentration in the blood, one can speak not only about the work of the kidneys, but also about the state of the muscular system and liver.

Indications for implementation of this laboratory test are:

all forms of ischemic heart disease;
systemic connective tissue diseases;
(regardless of the duration of its existence);
detection of deviations in the general analysis of urine during a screening study;
liver diseases, accompanied by a violation of its function (,);
suspicion of inflammatory or infectious diseases of the kidneys;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are characterized by a decrease in the absorption of food ingredients (celiac disease).

Urea concentration in the blood means:

An indicator of the excretory function of the kidneys, that is, the ability to eliminate substances unnecessary for the body together with urine.
An indicator of the state of muscle tissue. This is due to the fact that the protein, as a result of the breakdown of which urea appears, is contained mostly in the muscles.
Data indicating the efficiency of liver functions. After all, urea is produced from ammonia in this organ.

Thus, urea in the blood is a significant indicator of the state of the liver, kidneys and muscles.

Causes of increased urea in the blood

Why is urea in the blood elevated, and what does it mean? In fact, there are a huge number of reasons due to which this indicator may be above the norm. And not necessarily they will be associated with some deviations in the life of the body.

The reasons, not indicative of disease, but for which there may be increased urea in the blood of an adult:

As a result of taking certain medications, for example, Lasix, Euthyrox, Tetracycline, Corticosteroids, Sulfonamides, cephalosporins, anabolics, Neomycin, steroids, salicylates, androgens.
Excessive consumption of protein foods or vice versa starvation.
due to intense physical activity.
Nervous stress.

One of the main reasons for the increase in the content of urea in the blood is associated with a violation of the excretory function of the kidneys, which can observed in a number of diseases:

Acute renal failure, in which urea first rises, and then it is at least 10 mmol / l;
Blockage of the urinary tract with calculi or neoplasm;
CRF (in parallel, determine the concentration of uric acid, creatinine, cystatin C);
and glomerulonephritis;
Reduced blood supply to the kidneys due to dehydration, shock, heart failure, myocardial infarction.

Also, increased protein breakdown, and, accordingly, an increase in urea biosynthesis (productive azotemia) is caused by many human disease:

Hematological diseases (leukemia, leukemia, malignant anemia, hemolytic jaundice).
Severe infections, including intestinal (dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera).
Intestinal diseases (obstruction, peritonitis, thrombosis).
Burn disease.
Neoplasms of the prostate.

To determine the nature of the disease, the physician examines the urea in the blood serum in dynamics. In this case, the patient is additionally sent for a urine test to determine the urea index in this material. For a reliable conclusion, the levels of erythrocytes, lymphocytes, blood sugar and other indicators and symptoms are taken into account, allowing to assess the general state of health of the patient.

Symptoms

Elevated levels of urea in men and women in the blood can be determined by the following signs:

pain in the lower back;
problems with the outflow of urine, it is excreted too much (polyuria) or very little (anuria);
increased blood pressure;
swelling;

In medicine, the clinical signs of an increase in the concentration of urea in the blood are called by a special term - uremic syndrome.

How to treat high blood urea levels

If a biochemical blood test revealed this pathology in a patient, the doctor, first of all, will try to find out what exactly was its root cause, in other words, an additional examination will need to be carried out in order to identify the underlying disease. And of course, you will need to take a second blood test.

At home, a decrease in the level of urea is achieved by reducing meat products from the daily diet, while the emphasis should be on fruits, vegetables, cereals and berries. It is recommended to drink rosehip broth, juices, for the preparation of which fresh vegetables and fruits are used, diuretic tea.

But all this is good only if a person does not have any serious diseases. In the same case, if the increase in urea in the blood is a consequence of the disease, then the doctor will solve the problem of the level of urea. Moreover, an increase in this indicator is just a reaction of the body to a problem that has arisen, this is a consequence.

By the level of carbamide (the second name of urea), one can judge the performance of the kidneys and liver, as well as control the state of muscle tissue. If it was found that the urea in the blood is increased, it is necessary to establish the cause without wasting time and proceed to treatment. Otherwise, the body will be poisoned by ammonia, which has a detrimental effect on the internal organs and brain activity.

After we have eaten the next portion, the process of their processing and assimilation begins in the body. Food is broken down into elements: proteins, fats, carbohydrates. In turn, proteins are broken down into amino acids. As a result of protein metabolism in the body, a simple and final product containing nitrogen is produced - the toxic substance ammonia (NH 3). To make it safe, the liver converts it to urea ((NH 2) 2 CO) through enzymatic action. The resulting compound is filtered from the blood into the renal glomeruli, and then excreted from the body along with the urine.

Urea is produced in the liver during the utilization of ammonia, the end product of protein metabolism. In diagnostics, it is used as an indicator of the state of the liver and kidneys. It is also used to judge other violations of the body. Minor deviations are normal, but if the urea in the blood has increased or decreased significantly, this is an alarm signal for health workers.

Facts about ammonia and urea

What is urea? It belongs to a group of substances called residual blood nitrogen. These are products of protein metabolism, which include nitrogen, but they do not belong to proteins. These elements are:

Ammonia;
Urea.

Ammonia is a toxic substance, so the body tends to process it into a more harmless urea. Urea is formed in the liver. From here, it enters the bloodstream to be transported to the kidneys, after which it is excreted from the body in the urine.

Urea has several names: urea, carbonic diamide, but not uric acid - it is a completely different substance.

Carbamide is formed quite quickly and is excreted by the kidneys at the same accelerated rate. All thanks to the simple structure of this element. It consists of:

Carbonic acid;

2 molecules of ammonia.

That is why in the human body its level is minimal.

Despite its relative harmlessness, urea in the blood at high concentrations is toxic and dangerous. It easily overcomes the cell membranes of the liver, kidneys, spleen. At the same time, it "pulls" water along with it, as a result of which the cells increase, and they can no longer function in the normal mode (hyperhydration of cells). Therefore, the level of carbonic acid diamide is used to judge the state and performance of parenchymal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen).

So what is urea for? For nothing. Together with food, vitamins and minerals enter our body. In the process of their assimilation, ammonia is formed. It is toxic and therefore dangerous to the body. To neutralize it, urea is formed in the liver. It is the end product of protein metabolism, and with its help, the body gets rid of excess nitrogen.

Norms for different age groups

The production of urea and its excretion from the body is a continuous process. Its level in the blood must meet certain standards.

In a healthy adult, a blood urea level of 660 mg/L is about 4 mmol/L. 20-35 g of diamide carbonic acid is excreted daily by the kidneys, which is 333.6-587.7 mmol.

The table shows the rate of urea in the blood by age group.

As you can see, the data differ both by age and by gender. In the blood of women, the content of this component is always lower than that of men. This is explained by the fact that men prefer protein foods, and their physical activity is higher. It is worth noting that the high level of urea in athletes is considered quite normal. The main thing is that the concentration does not exceed the threshold of 15 mmol / l.

With age, the functional activity of the kidneys decreases, as evidenced by an increase in the level of urea. The glomerular filtration rate falls and there is a gradual increase in the content of urea in the blood - physiological growth. Therefore, with age, the norms of urea increase.

How is the analysis carried out?

In a biochemical blood test, a patient is taken from a vein. In order for the study to be as accurate as possible, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

The fence is carried out in the morning;
The analysis is carried out on an empty stomach;
The day before, exclude physical and emotional stress;
For a day you need to give up alcohol and heavy food.

For preventive purposes, a blood test for urea is given once a year, and for diagnostics - in the direction of a medical worker.

Safe Reasons for Deviations

With intense physical exertion, the level of urea rises, so in men the level is higher, due to the development of muscles. Nutrition also plays an important role. The menu is poor in protein foods to reduce the concentration of urea, just as excessive consumption of foods rich in proteins increases the level.

The lack of chlorine in the human body, caused by the refusal to consume table salt, provokes an intensive production of urea.

During pregnancy, the body's need for vitamins, proteins, fats and minerals doubles. This is reflected in biochemical parameters. Since protein consumption for a growing fetus increases, urea in the blood serum decreases.

With all these factors, there is a slight deviation from the standards. Over time, the level of carbamide stabilizes on its own, without third-party intervention.

Causes of increased urea in the blood

Elevated blood urea is a direct reflection of changes in glomerular filtration rate (kidney activity). In a healthy person, this rate is 125 ml / min. At the same time, an increased content of urea in the blood occurs when glomerular filtration is reduced by about half. This indicates that an increase in urea in the blood is a belated sign of kidney failure. It cannot detect the disease at an early stage of development.

However, in medical practice, biochemical studies are used quite often and the level of urea in the blood serum plays an important role in the diagnosis.

Why is urea in the blood elevated? Its level depends on 3 factors:

The number of amino acids formed after protein metabolism, since ammonia is then produced from them;
The efficiency of the liver (the ornithine cycle is used for the synthesis of urea);
The condition of the kidneys (for its excretion).

The reasons for the increase in urea in the blood are conditionally divided into 3 groups:

Physiological;
Medical;
Pathological.

Physiological factors include our diet, physical activity. If a person prefers protein foods, and it takes up most of his daily menu, then this can cause an excess of urea. The content of this element begins to grow at the consumption of 2.5 g of protein per 1 kg of weight. Fasting can also cause an increase in (NH 2) 2 CO in the blood, as a large amount of protein is released from muscle tissue. Physical activity and nervous stress are also factors that lead to the removal of protein from the muscles and, as a result, the results of studies on urea will be overestimated.

Deviations in a big way can also cause medications. The group of medicines that give a similar effect include:

Cephalosporins;
Anabolics;
Steroids;
corticosteroids;
salicylates;
Androgens;
Tetracycline;
"Eutiroks";
"Lasix";
Neomycin;
Sulfonamides.

The level of urea can increase when there is an increased breakdown of proteins and blood changes, the causes of these phenomena:

Temperature within 2 weeks;
Infectious diseases;
burns;
Sepsis;
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
Tumors (leukemia, lymphoma);
Postoperative period;
Constipation;
Intoxication with phenol, mercury salts, chloroform;
Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.

But still, the main cause is considered to be kidney dysfunction. An elevated level of urea in the blood is observed in the following disorders:

CRF - chronic renal failure. After the concentration of urea has increased, creatinine also increases. Analyzes show values over 10 mmol/l;
Blockage of the urinary tract with stones or neoplasms;
Poor blood supply to the kidneys due to heart attack, dehydration, shock.

Clinical picture

Pathological symptoms

Elevated urea levels may be a sign of the development of the disease. These pathological processes include:

Low blood urea? This is a rarer phenomenon that occurs due to:

Rigid diet, protein starvation;
hepatic coma;
Cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure;
Incorrect secretion of the thyroid gland;
Malabsorption - amino acids are poorly absorbed by the intestines;
Arsenic or phosphorus poisoning;
Acromegaly - high levels of growth hormone (somatotropin);
A consequence of dialysis.

The symptomatology of only a high level of this element will be described below.

Symptoms of high blood urea

Uremia is the intoxication of the body with nitrogenous wastes that have accumulated as a result of improper functioning of the kidneys. One such slag is urea. Its high level in the blood affects the well-being of a person. At first, the patient feels:

Fatigue;
General weakness;
Headache.

Without an appropriate response, the clinical picture worsens:

What is uremic plaque? Accumulating in the body, urea, as a mineral substance, simply appears on the surface of the skin.

External symptoms of severe uremia (excess urea in the blood):

Dry and pale skin;
Brittle nails and hair;
Bleeding gums;
Frequent urge to go to the toilet;
visual impairment;
puffiness;
increased sweating;
Uremic powder is a crystalline coating on the skin, the result of excessive accumulation of urea in the body.
The skin begins to smell like urine. This scent is impossible to get rid of. The only effective way to reduce urea in the blood is hemodialysis.

Note: The last two symptoms are signs of extreme and terminal renal failure. So, urea can be deposited in the form of crystals, for example, on the pericardium, and each heartbeat is accompanied by a loud, sometimes audible snoring. The old physicians called the pericardial friction noise the "death knell of the uremic." Of course, at present, such neglected situations are rare.

What can high urea levels lead to?

Urea in small quantities is quite safe and non-toxic. But a high level is a sign of kidney dysfunction, which means that the kidneys do not remove toxic elements of metabolism from the body. This leads to water-salt and acid-base imbalance. Hormonal disorders occur, leading gradually to multiple organ failure.

It is also important that dangerous ammonia accumulates in the body and tissue poisoning occurs. If the level of urea is not reduced in time, then the whole body is saturated with it, and irreversible processes (necrosis) begin in the brain cells. Against this background, the patient may develop psychological and neurological diseases.

Measures to stabilize urea levels

If blood urea is elevated, it is important to identify the causes of the increase in order to determine how to treat them. The following measures will reduce the level of urea:

Revision of the diet (reducing the amount of protein);
Reduction of stressful situations and hypothermia;
Exclusion of physical overvoltage;
Stabilization of water-salt balance;
Prevention of chronic and acute kidney diseases.

If the upward deviation was caused by malnutrition, the patient is prescribed a diet and reduced physical activity. This should help muscle tissue to return to normal, and the kidneys to remove excess residual nitrogen components from the body.

Nutritionists have selected a list of products that reduce the level of urea in the blood. A list of banned "menu ingredients" was also created. There are several recommendations on how to withdraw excess and prevent a recurrence of the problem in the future:

There should be 6 meals per day;
Drink at least 2 liters of water per day;
Unloading days no more than 1 time per week.

The list of allowed products is quite extensive and varied, so there is no particular discomfort when following a diet:

Rabbit meat;
Chicken;
Turkey;
Dairy products;
Eggs;
Fish with a fat content below 8%;
Pasta and cereals 1-2 times a week;
Vegetables;
Fruit;
Vegetable and olive oil;
Juices and decoctions;
Weak tea and coffee;
From sweets: jelly, jam, jam, marmalade.

It is necessary to reduce consumption, and it is better to exclude completely from the diet:

Sausages;
Canned food - meat and fish;
Mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces;
Smoked products;
salty dishes;
Fatty meat and fish, as well as broths based on them;
Sorrel;
Mushrooms;
cauliflower;
soda;
alcohol;
Strong coffee and tea.

If the urea level rises, then the doctor prescribes infusions of crystalloid solutions to reduce its concentration. In the event that such therapy does not help, the patient is prescribed hemodialysis, since there are no drugs to reduce uremia. Another remedy for uremia is a kidney transplant.

Phytotherapy

The following remedies are used in traditional medicine, but they are unable to reduce the level of urea in the blood. After all, urea is the simplest compound of inorganic nitrogen, which is soluble. And in order to reduce the level of uremia, you need to turn urea into an even more soluble substance, and such a substance does not exist.

But in the early stages of the disease, herbal medicine allows, for example, to increase the volume of urine output, or the blood supply to the kidney, and then a temporary improvement can occur.

Chamomile;
Madder dyeing;
St. John's wort;
Quinoa;
Currant;
Rose hip;
Dandelion;
wheatgrass;
Liquorice root.

Below are a few recipes:

Any of the ingredients is used: chamomile, St. John's wort, quinoa. 1 st. a spoonful of medicinal herbs is poured 1 tbsp. boiling water. Wait 15 min. You can use it as a tea 2-3 times a day;
Rosehip decoction can be made from both berries and root. 2-4 roots of 5-10 cm each (minimum diameter 0.5 mm) are placed in a kettle with 1 liter of water and boiled for 0.5-1 hour. You can drink the decoction both cold and hot;
A decoction of any ingredient: licorice root, dandelion or wheatgrass. 1 st. a spoonful of phyto-bases is diluted in 2 cups of boiling water. Drink 3 times daily.