{"id":2545,"date":"2019-01-20T07:08:41","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T07:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2545"},"modified":"2021-11-10T15:32:26","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T15:32:26","slug":"15-symptoms-of-elevated-liver-enzymes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-symptoms-of-elevated-liver-enzymes\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Elevated liver enzymes are a common health condition that affects as much as 24% of all adult Americans, and it\u2019s a highly uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition that\u2019s best diagnosed early. There can be several causes behind elevated liver enzymes, including medication, diet changes, genetic predisposition to the disorder, and certain other diseases such as viral hepatitis.
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If you\u2019re at risk of elevated liver enzymes or have been experiencing changes in your health that you can\u2019t find another explanation for, then you should make an appointment with your doctor and discuss the symptoms of elevated liver enzymes in your blood; from there, it\u2019s likely that your doctor will order a routine blood test to establish whether or not your liver enzymes really are the cause of your symptoms.
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Here are 8 symptoms of elevated liver enzymes that you should know to look out for that signal to see your doctor.
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1. Skin Color Changes<\/strong>
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Color changes in the skin <\/a>can sometimes signal internal problems with the organs that point to the fact that certain organs aren\u2019t working as well as they should. Yellowing of the skin or a sudden tan appearance is a quick way to spot that there\u2019s something wrong with the kidneys, liver, or heart \u2013 and if this happens to you with a combination of any of the other symptoms on this list, it could easily signal that you have elevated liver enzymes in your blood.
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Even if you can\u2019t combine any of the symptoms on the list with this one, it still means that you should make an appointment with your doctor so that the symptoms and their cause can be looked at: Even when not indicating elevated liver enzymes, it could indicate other serious problems with your organs that are best spotted early on so that they can be treated.
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2. Arthritis<\/strong>
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Arthritis <\/a>is defined as a chronic inflammation of the joints, which can include the wrists, knees, elbows, and even the vertebrae of the spine. It can be triggered by a variety of illnesses and health conditions, and although it\u2019s commonly associated with age, it\u2019s something that can happen to you at any point.
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Characteristic symptoms of arthritis include pain or swelling in the joints, and might even include skin irritation. Arthritis is further worsened by a diet that contains too many acidic components, too many fats, or too much salt; strain placed on the joints through external factors or being overweight can also be some of the factors that can make arthritis worse.
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It\u2019s a common symptom associated with elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood, and if you are showing arthritis together with some of the other symptoms on this list, then you should make an appointment with your doctor and have tests done.
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3. Nausea<\/strong>
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Nausea <\/a>is a symptom that can mean thousand-and-one things; when reporting it as a symptom to your doctor, always be sure to describe the type of nausea that you\u2019re experiencing in as much detail as you can, and include the time of onset and anything that you might have been doing around the time nausea happened.
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Combined with several of the symptoms on this list, it can indicate that you have raised levels of liver enzymes in your blood, and nausea can be just one of the effects of your body being out of balance. You might experience only nausea, or you might experience periodic vomiting \u2013 in some cases, it gets worse with anything that might be taxing to the liver, such as a night out.
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If you experience nausea as a symptom that refuses to go away, you should make an appointment with your doctor to find the root cause.
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4. Congestive Heart Failure<\/strong>
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Congestive heart failure<\/a> can sometimes be caused by elevated liver enzyme levels that have been left untreated for too long. This happens because of the added pressure that elevated liver enzymes can put on the rest of the body, and congestive heart failure is by far one of the most fatal symptoms of elevated liver enzymes \u2013 if you experience heart failure, there\u2019s no turning back, and it\u2019s one of the most common killers when it comes to the heart.
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What you should know about this symptom is the fact that congestive heart failure doesn\u2019t just happen overnight in the majority of cases: There will be warning signs, and it\u2019s up to you to make sure you have regular appointments with your doctor to keep an eye on your heart and ensure it\u2019s in good condition.
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If you suspect elevated liver enzymes, a basic blood test is where you should start.
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5. Venous Pressure<\/strong>
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Venous pressure <\/a>can be a common symptom of elevated liver enzymes, and it\u2019s one of the symptoms that should always be considered a medical emergency; leaving venous pressure alone for too long or doing anything to aggravate the condition can lead to an immediate increased risk of a heart attack or stroke \u2013 or even both.
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There are a few things that can signal added pressure in the veins, including the appearance of the veins as \u201cbulged\u201d – this is literally the pressure in the veins increasing, and you might experience pain, numbness, or discoloration of the extremities along with this.
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Should this happen, it\u2019s another symptom that should take a trip to the emergency room rather than an appointment with your doctor: Venous pressure is almost always an immediate medical emergency that could require immediate, quick hospitalization, and not the kind of thing you can (or should) treat at home.
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6. Swelling under ribs<\/strong>
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Elevated liver enzymes that have been left untreated for too long can lead to a range of different complications with your health, including swelling of the liver \u2013 which can, in turn, manifest as swelling <\/a>or tenderness under the ribs either on the side of the liver or the opposite side (though most commonly over the area where the liver is located).
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Swelling under the ribs is usually related to the organs, and can most commonly be tracked down to irritation or inflammation of anything internal.
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If you notice this symptom at all, it\u2019s important that you don\u2019t strain the area, and resist the urge to touch, restrict or press it. This type of symptom is the more serious type, and it\u2019s the kind that means you should make a trip to the emergency room rather than wait for an appointment with your doctor, especially if several of the symptoms on this list are combined with one another.
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7. Back pain<\/strong>
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Back pain<\/a> is a common symptom that can be attributed to a wide range of different illnesses and disorders. Because of this, you should always make an appointment with your doctor for any back pain that persists for more than a few hours at a time \u2013 it could be an indication that there\u2019s something deeper wrong with your health than \u201cjust a bad back\u201d or a pulled muscle.
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Many times back pain can indicate something inside the body instead: If you have back pain that you can combine with several different symptoms on this list, then you should consider making an appointment with your doctor and insist on having your liver looked at.
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An increased level of liver enzymes in the blood can be a signal of damage to your liver, which can in turn cause swelling and subsequently back pain, which might have nothing to do with your back at all.
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8.Insomnia<\/strong>
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Insomnia <\/a>is defined as the chronic inability to sleep, and often people diagnosed with insomnia have spent months or even years struggling with the problem before even starting to seek help. By the time they see a doctor about their problem, it\u2019s likely that they\u2019ve tried almost every natural remedy in the book to get to sleep and it just hasn\u2019t worked \u2013 at all.
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There can be many causes for insomnia: Sometimes it can be because of your diet, other times it can be because of your sleeping routine; other times its just stress.
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But it can also be a symptom that points to an imbalance in the body, and it might be one of the symptoms that point to elevated liver enzymes. The effect that liver enzymes have on the rest of the processes in your body can easily result in staying up all night or tossing and turning the entire time.
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9. Jaundice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As liver enzymes increase, it disrupts the organ’s ability to filter toxins from the bloodstream and body. As a result, the liver starts to excrete more bilirubin. Typically, the liver relies on bilirubin to help with the breakdown of toxins, as well as abnormal or damaged red blood cells. Under normal conditions, bilirubin travels around the liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract before being excreted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when jaundice <\/a>occurs, the affected individual experiences an elevation of bilirubin to dangerous levels resulting in sepsis or septic shock. The patient should seek immediate medical attention to cleanse the liver and restore liver enzymes and bilirubin production to normal levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaundice produces tell-tale signs in the affected individual when bilirubin starts to reach a critical threshold. We already discussed how the patient might notice a yellowing of the skin. However, as the condition progresses, they may also find the whites of the eyes start to turn yellow \u2013 that’s a sign of severe liver distress that requires immediate treatment at the emergency room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. General Unwellness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who experience elevated liver enzymes may notice that one of the first symptoms to show up is a general feeling of unwellness. They might not feel at their best like they are low on energy and lethargic<\/a>. Some individuals might experience brain fog and mild confusion, and many people might think they’re coming down with a stomach bug or the flu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As toxicity levels build in the liver, the elevated enzymes start to disrupt the organ’s normal function. As a result, the liver begins to undergo changes to normal operations, like bilirubin production. As bilirubin spreads in the body, the affected individual might notice the onset of symptoms like low energy and general unwellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the initial stages of liver problems, the affected individual might decide they are having an off day. As a result, they may try to sleep it off and see if the rest does them any good. Unfortunately, this strategy rarely changes the situation, and the patient begins to notice the onset of other symptoms like pain in their right side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with elevated liver enzymes might find they experience a shortness of breath when the condition starts to get severe. They may find themselves unable to catch their breath after walking up a flight of stairs. Medical science is unsure of the connection between this symptom <\/a>and elevated liver enzymes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, patients who find themselves experiencing shortness of breath or light-headedness after rising from a seated position could be dealing with various medical conditions. Shortness of breath is a sign of critical medical problems, and it requires immediate medical attention. Shortness of breath could be a sign of progressing liver problems. It could be a sign of a more severe underlying disease involving the respiratory or cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis. During your consultation, your doctor will take blood from you for analysis. Most doctors will check your hormone panel, liver function, and thyroid. The test reveals signs of abnormal enzyme and hormone activity. If elevated liver enzymes are the problem, it shows up in the bloodwork test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Dark Urine and Pale Stools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that your urine <\/a>turns dark and cloudy, it’s a sign of liver distress. When liver enzymes elevate to critical levels, it causes changes in the way the body processes waste. You might find that you start drinking more water, and you’re not urinating as much as you expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your urine turns dark, it’s a sign that your liver and kidneys are experiencing health issues. In many cases, the affected individual may find their urine feels warmer than normal. If they complain of pain when urinating, it might be a sign of an infection in the urinary tract that spread to the kidneys and liver, or vice versa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the effects of raised liver enzymes might also find their stool changes color. As the condition progresses, stool may develop a lighter color, as the body can no longer process waste efficiently. If you notice changes in your feces or urine color, consult with your doctor for immediate medical assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When our body isn’t functioning properly, we start to feel side effects due to the impact of the disruption to our biology. These symptoms can occur in various forms, and many of them might not seem like they have any relation to the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, patients might feel general unwellness symptoms. Unfortunately, that could be a sign of any number of diseases. An example of this is fatigue. Fatigue occurs when the body isn’t getting enough oxygenated blood to the brain, causing a cognitive fog and lethargy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There could be several reasons why the affected individual feels fatigued<\/a>. Elevated liver enzymes cause problems with the way your body filters toxins. As a result, you have more waste accumulating in your body. One of the early warning signs of liver distress is fatigue, and it occurs due to a toxic takeover of your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re feeling fatigued and you’re showing other signs of liver distress, like pain in your right side or signs of jaundice, head to the emergency room for a diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Loss of Appetite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the liver experiences elevation in enzyme levels, it disrupts our normal physiology. We don’t recognize what’s going on initially, but the body is well aware of the situation. It starts redirecting energy resources away from digestion to help fuel the fight against the toxic build-up going on in your liver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might find it surprising to learn that the digestive system is responsible for consuming more than 60% of all biological energy<\/a>. Therefore, by redirecting energy away from digestion, the body has more resources to help fight off the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the body starts losing the battle, chances are you aren’t going to feel hungry anytime soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the body diverts the energy away from the digestive system, you start to feel less hungry. Many people report a total loss of appetite when they begin to experience the onset of jaundice. Your appetite returns after the infection clear, and the body returns to its normal liver function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who experience elevated liver enzyme levels need to check if they have exposure to any of the following risk factors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol use \u2013 Drinking alcohol now and again isn’t going to damage your liver. However, people with drinking problems find they start to experience elevated liver enzymes. If they don’t stop drinking, they’re at risk of developing liver cirrhosis, where irreversible scarring of the liver occurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drug Use \u2013 Using or abusing prescription drugs can cause an elevation in liver enzymes. Many medications are harsh on the liver, and they can cause elevations in liver enzymes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Steroid Use \u2013 Many gym-goers try oral steroids when signing up. However, these compounds have serious adverse health effects on the body. Oral steroids feature 17-aa methylation to increase bioavailability. However, this formulation is liver-toxic, causing an elevation in liver enzymes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetics \u2013 People with a family history of liver disease are at higher risk of developing elevated liver enzymes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obesity or Being Overweight \u2013 People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing elevated liver enzymes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes \u2013 People dealing with the blood disorder, diabetes, have a higher risk of experiencing elevated liver enzymes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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