This causes it to build up in your blood stream. Any condition that affects the function of your liver can cause bilirubin to build up in your blood. This is a result of your liver losing its ability to remove and process bilirubin from your bloodstream. Hepatitis happens when your liver gets inflamed, often due to a viral infection. Your bile ducts connect your liver to your gallbladder the opening of your small intestine, called the duodenum.
They help to move bile, which contains bilirubin, from your liver and gallbladder into your intestines. This can lead to an increased level of bilirubin. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a temporary condition that can happen during the last trimester of pregnancy.
It causes bile drainage from your liver to either slow down or stop entirely. This makes it harder for your liver to process bilirubin from your blood, leading to high bilirubin levels. Hemolytic anemia happens when blood cells break down too quickly in your bloodstream. But if you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or head to urgent care just in case:.
Anyone with jaundice, the main sign of high bilirubin levels, needs to see their doctor. The liver produces and clears cholesterol in the body. Learn how liver damage can affect cholesterol and what treatments you can explore. Liver function tests help screen for problems such as infections, scarring, and disorders. They're also used if you start experiencing symptoms of a…. Your liver processes everything you eat and drink.
And if you have jaundice, your diet can either help or hurt your symptoms. Here's what you can do. A common condition, it can occur when babies have a high level of bilirubin, a yellow…. Bilirubin is often included as part of a panel of tests that evaluate liver function and enzymes, including alanine transaminase ALT , aspartate aminotransferase AST , alkaline phosphatase ALP , and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase GGT bilirubin.
Additional tests may be ordered to pinpoint the underlying cause of the dysfunction, particularly in the presence of jaundice. Bilirubin testing would typically be repeated to monitor your response to treatment or to track the progression or resolution of disease. If your bilirubin levels are elevated, your healthcare provider will need to identify the underlying cause.
It is important to remember that hyperbilirubinemia is not a disease, per se, but rather a characteristic of a disease. To this end, your healthcare provider will classify the cause as follows:.
Pre-Hepatic Causes. Pre-hepatic causes are differentiated by the lack of bilirubin in the urine since unconjugated bilirubin cannot be excreted in the urine. In addition to a panel of red blood cell tests, your healthcare provider may request a bone marrow biopsy if cancer or other serious diseases are suspected. Hepatic Causes. Hepatic causes are characterized by elevated liver enzymes and evidence of bilirubin in the urine.
A full liver function panel and imaging tests might help with identifying the problem. A liver biopsy may be recommended if there is a possibility of liver cancer. Genetic testing may be used to distinguish between the different types of viral hepatitis or to confirm genetic disorders like hemochromatosis or Gilbert's syndrome. Post-Hepatic Causes. Post-hepatic causes are characterized by normal unconjugated bilirubin levels and a normal spleen. A computed tomography CT scan, bile tract MRI, or endoscopic ultrasonography may be done if there is concern about possible gallstones, while an ultrasound and stool tests may be done if there is concern about abnormalities of the pancreas.
There is no single test that can differentiate the underlying causes of hyperbilirubinemia. Your diagnosis is based on the results obtained from a combination of tests. The treatment of hyperbilirubinemia depends on the underlying cause and can include approaches such as discontinuing a toxic drug, surgery, or long-term therapy.
Sometimes, hyperbilirubinemia may not require specific treatment, such as in cases of acute viral hepatitis where symptoms will typically go away on their own as the infection resolves. The same applies to Gilbert's syndrome, which is not considered harmful and does not require treatment. A few treatment approaches:. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may not require treatment if the jaundice is mild. For moderate to severe cases, treatment may involve light therapy which changes the structure of bilirubin molecules in newborns , intravenous immunoglobulin which prevents the rapid breakdown of red blood cells , or a blood transfusion.
While there are no home treatments that normalize hyperbilirubinemia, you can avoid placing additional stress on the liver by cutting out alcohol, red meat, processed foods, and refined sugar. If you are experiencing any symptoms of liver impairment, speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medications. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Evaluation of jaundice in adults. Am Fam Physician. Abdualmjid RJ, Sergi C. Hepatotoxic botanicals - an evidence-based systematic review.
J Pharm Pharm Sci. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. For a baby, the blood sample is taken from the heel with a small needle stick. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks.
These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. Medicines and herbal supplements can increase your bilirubin level. Pregnancy and drinking alcohol can also cause a buildup of bilirubin in your liver. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about not eating or drinking before the test.
Ask your provider if there is anything else you should do to get ready for this test. Tell your provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. Search Encyclopedia.
Total Bilirubin Blood Does this test have other names?
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