{"id":12990,"date":"2020-04-27T09:29:55","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T09:29:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12990"},"modified":"2021-07-05T16:34:38","modified_gmt":"2021-07-05T16:34:38","slug":"14-common-causes-of-high-bilirubin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-causes-of-high-bilirubin\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of High Bilirubin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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High bilirubin levels can occur in people of all ages. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that is found in the blood. When the red cells break down in the blood, bilirubin is created. Bilirubin levels are considered normal when they are between 0.3 and 1.2 milligrams per deciliter anything higher is considered to be elevated. While some people will experience elevated bilirubin levels in life, if it\u2019s chronic there may be an underlying cause and it can be a sign that something more severe is going on in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be hard to know if you have high bilirubin levels and in many cases, the diagnosis is only made by accident or when a customer is being tested for another disorder. There are many things that can cause high bilirubin levels and understanding the cause can help doctors come up with the right treatment plan. Here are 14 common causes of high bilirubin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gallstones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gallstones <\/a>are a common problem for many people and in most cases, they are not serious. They can occur when there is a buildup of cholesterol in the gallbladder that hardens. It can form small stones that can cause severe pain and discomfort. These stones can vary in size and the larger the size, the more severe the pain. Gallstones are likely to occur when there is already a buildup of bilirubin in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the gallstones are too large, it can prevent the bilirubin from draining properly and cause an increase in the body. Some gallstone can breakdown on their own and do not require any treatment. Others require surgery. Once the bilirubin is able to drain properly again, the levels may go down. Some people require medication that helps prevent the formation of gallstones so bilirubin levels stay at safe levels. Doctors can choose the right course of treatment based on the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Gilbert\u2019s Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gilbert\u2019s syndrome is a liver condition that is genetic <\/a>and prevents the liver from processing bilirubin properly. Because the liver can\u2019t process the bilirubin, it tends to build up in the bloodstream. It becomes high and causes many complications. People who suffer from this disease can experience symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In most cases, these symptoms are very mild and in some cases, they may not be noticeable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people go several years without being diagnosed because their symptoms are not severe enough to cause them to worry. The syndrome is treatable with medication and in some cases, it may require surgery. When the syndrome is under control the bilirubin levels drop. Many people who have this disease are only diagnosed after they have become very ill, or are aware that it runs in their family and want to get a diagnosis so they can begin treatment before it becomes severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Liver Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many things that can prevent the liver from functioning properly. Any time it doesn\u2019t do its job and act as it should, it makes it possible for bilirubin <\/a>levels to rise. The cause of liver dysfunction will determine the proper treatment. Sometimes the liver can heal itself and begin to function properly so bilirubin levels can return to normal. In other cases, the dysfunction is more severe and will recover and more advanced treatment plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications are available to help improve the liver function and if cysts or cancer are the cause of the problem, they may need to be surgically removed. Many people live with liver dysfunction but aren\u2019t aware there is a problem until their bilirubin levels become out of control and cause complications. After patients recover, it can take some time for the liver to continue to process the bilirubin and get the levels under control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Hepatitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hepatitis <\/a>is a severe liver infection that causes the liver to become inflamed. When the liver is inflamed or swollen, it can\u2019t work properly. This means it can\u2019t filter bilirubin properly and allows it to build up in the body. Hepatitis is treatable and in many cases, it\u2019s completely curable. It can be hard to detect, and many people don\u2019t show symptoms until the disease has progressed and become severe. If the liver is damaged too severely from hepatitis, it may take some time to heal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During this time, the bilirubin levels will continue to increase. Medication may be needed to help get the liver working properly and to improve levels. People who have hepatitis and don\u2019t know it may have elevated bilirubin levels for long periods of time and not know it too. The problem can be diagnosed with a blood test and there are also vaccines available to protect against certain types of hepatitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Bile Duct Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the bile ducts become inflamed, they can cause an increase in bilirubin levels. The bilirubin builds up and is unable to drain properly. When it finally does drain it can send an increased level throughout the body. The inflamed bile ducts block the bile and cause the liver <\/a>to stop functioning as it should. Bile duct inflammation can be caused by many things, but infections and cancer are the two most common causes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of bile duct inflammation can also vary. In many cases, the condition is only diagnosed after a person has complained of the symptoms of increased bilirubin levels. If the infection doesn\u2019t clear up on its own, antibiotics may be prescribed. Once the inflammation has been treated, the liver can heal and be able to regular the bilirubin levels properly. If there is cancer-causing the inflammation or another problem, surgery may be needed to treat the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy is a condition that can develop in pregnant women. It usually appears in the third trimester and can last throughout the rest of the pregnancy<\/a>. It usually goes away within a few weeks of delivery. The condition can cause bilirubin levels to increase in the mom and the baby. Some babies are born with elevated bilirubin levels because the mother had Intrahepatic Cholestasis Of Pregnancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, this condition doesn\u2019t require any treatment and will go away on its own. Babies that are born with elevated bilirubin levels may need treatment before they can be released from the hospital. Women usually recover quickly and may not even know they have any problems. Babies that have jaundice as a result of this condition can be treated in a hospital if it is severe or may be sent home with care directions if the jaundice is mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Hemolytic anemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemolytic anemia is a condition that causes the red blood cells to be destroyed by the body prematurely. This can prevent them from traveling to the organs and can cause the organs to work harder to do their job. The liver is one of the organs affected by this condition. Without enough blood flow or proper blood flow, the liver can\u2019t work as it should and won\u2019t be able to regulate bilirubin levels. Anemia <\/a>can be treated, but it can be a problem for a long time before a proper diagnosis is made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, elevated bilirubin levels are what lead to the proper diagnosis. When the hemolytic anemia treatment is started and becomes effective, the liver recovers and can regulate the bilirubin levels again. In rare cases, the anemia can be so severe that the liver becomes severely damaged. In this case, medication may be needed to help control bilirubin levels and to help the liver heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Blood Transfusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person received a blood transfusion, the liver may take some time to accept it. This can put a strain <\/a>on the liver and prevent it from functioning as it should. When it can\u2019t work right, it can\u2019t control or maintain the bilirubin levels in the body. The blood transfusion can take some time and during this time, the liver will have to adjust to the new blood and reactivate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the blood transfusion is complete and the blood has been circling through the body for a while, the liver will begin to work as it should and can regulate the bilirubin levels. In some cases, the bilirubin levels will be high for a while after the transfusion while the liver tries to get used to the new blood and work. In rare cases, the blood transfusion will damage the liver, and surgery or medication may be needed to help it heal and then help regulate bilirubin levels properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Strenuous Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Strenuous exercise <\/a>can cause an increase in bilirubin levels. When you exercise your core, temperature increases, and it signals the bilirubin levels to increase. The more your exercise, the more bilirubin that is produced, and the higher the levels. This is normal and, in most cases, it is nothing to worry about. Once you take a break and your core temperature returns to normal, your bilirubin levels will return to normal as well. It can take some time, depending on the amount of exercise you were doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking plenty of water before and after your workout can help keep your body functioning properly and help regular bilirubin levels. Most people don\u2019t even realize their bilirubin levels are up and only find out about the change in levels by accident. In rare cases, the levels will stay up, even after the core temperature has lowered and the person has been resting. In this case, medical testing may be needed to determine the reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Drug Abuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who abuse drugs may experience elevated bilirubin levels. Drugs can cause a lot of damage to the body and can affect the way the liver works. Every drug that goes into the body is processed and filtered by the liver. That also means that many of the chemicals in the drugs can cause problems with the liver. The liver <\/a>can become damaged due to the chemical or it can just become overwhelmed by the number of drugs it has to filter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more drugs and the longer the drug use continue, the more severe the liver damage. During drug use, bilirubin levels can increase as the liver is not able to function as it should. Drugs can also damage the liver so severely that it cannot function as it should even after the person is no longer using the drugs. The liver may heal after drug abuse but may never function completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Certain Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are certain medications <\/a>that can cause problems with the liver. The liver filters things out of the body so when you take medication, that medication has to travel through the liver. Sometimes the medications you take can be too strong for the liver to handle. This is especially true if the liver is infected or has other problems that might weaken it. If the liver is overwhelmed by the number of toxins or medications that flow through the body, it can stop working or become damaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The longer the medication is taken, the worse it can be on the liver. While many people are not able to stop taking their medications, doctors may need to change their prescriptions to give the liver a break so it can heal itself and regular bilirubin levels properly. Doctors may need to perform tests to determine if the medication is the cause of the liver problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Cirrhosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cirrhosis <\/a>of the liver is a serious problem that is often caused by alcohol abuse or long-term alcohol consumption. There are other things that can lead to cirrhosis. It can affect people of all ages and can even be fatal if left untreated. Cirrhosis prevents the liver from functioning like it should and can cause bilirubin levels to increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The longer the cirrhosis is present, the worse the bilirubin levels can become. The liver can heal itself over time if the cirrhosis is not too severe. In some cases the liver can stop functioning at all and liver transplant may be necessary to save the person\u2019s life. Only after the liver has been treated or healed can the bilirubin levels become regulated. Many people think of cirrhosis as a death sentence but it can be treated and many people can make a full recovery. Even after recovery, the bilirubin levels may stay high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Poor Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The food you eat has a big impact on your body. If you don\u2019t eat healthily, your body won\u2019t be healthy and your organs will start to shut down or become damaged. One of the first organs to suffer from the damage can be the liver. If the liver isn\u2019t working right, the first sign can be that the bilirubin levels are increasing. In many cases, people don\u2019t realize that their diet is the cause of their problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may seek medical attention and undergo a lot of testing to try to find the cause of the problem. Once the underlying cause is found, a nutritionist <\/a>will help make a diet plan that can help improve a person\u2019s overall health and help give the liver a chance to heal so it can help regular the bilirubin levels. In most cases, the diet will make a difference and improve liver function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Gallbladder Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The gallbladder <\/a>is susceptible to disease just like any other part of the body. There are many diseases that can affect the gallbladder and many of them can result in high bilirubin levels. The gallbladder is connected to the liver and works closely with it. If the gallbladder is diseased and not working right, there\u2019s a good chance the liver may not function right either. This can allow the bilirubin levels to build up until they are elevated to unsafe levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medication can help bring the levels to a safe place, but the body will not be able to control the levels unless the gallbladder begins to function properly again. A proper diagnosis for the gallbladder disease and its underlying cause is necessary to come up with the right treatment or medication to treat the disease so the bilirubin levels can return to a safe level and the body can regulate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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