The blog will tell you about the causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments that are associated with elevated bilirubin levels
Hyperbilirubinemia is high bilirubin levels. It is a medical condition that occurs due to excessive bilirubin amount, a yellow substance. Bilirubin is basically a waste product that is formed due to RBC breakdown. It is processed in the liver and eliminated through stool.
When there are high bilirubin levels, yellowing of the eyes and skin is caused, condition-jaundice. Hyperbilirubinemia can happen due to hemolytic anaemia, liver disease or certain medications.
What is Bilirubin?
Bilirubin is produced by RBC breakdown. Bilirubin is basically a waste product that is formed due to RBC breakdown. It is processed in the liver and eliminated through excreta.
Normal bilirubin levels do not cause harm. However, high levels can cause jaundice. It is a condition where the skin and eyes white become yellow. Bilirubin levels can be calculated through blood tests. It is a part of LFT (liver function tests).
The liver processes bilirubin, any liver function issues can cause high bilirubin levels. It can be caused due to certain medications or medical conditions (including hemolytic anaemia).
It is important to understand bilirubin's role in your body. it helps identify and treat certain conditions related to high levels pf bilirubin.
High Bilirubin Level Symptoms
Some common symptoms are:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of whites of the eyes
- Itching
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Pale-colored stools
- Bloating
- Fatigue and weakness
What Causes High Bilirubin Levels?
Factors that can cause high levels of bilirubin levels-
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Liver Disease
The liver has the most important role in eliminating and processing bilirubin. Due to damage or disease of the liver, it does not process bilirubin efficiently, which leads to its accumulation in the bloodstream.
Liver diseases including cirrhosis, hepatitis or liver cancer can cause hyberbilirubinemia.
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Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anaemia is a condition where body starts destroying RBCs faster than their production. This results in excess bilirubin in your bloodstream. Haemoglobin is a protein that gives bilirubin when these are destroyed.
Other factors including infections, genetic disorders, medications, or autoimmune diseases can also cause it.
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Certain Medications
Some medications (like antibiotics, such as rifampin and sulfonamides) as a side effect can cause high bilirubin levels.
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Inherited conditions
Certain inherited syndrome including Gilbert's syndrome can affect bilirubin processing by the liver. People having this conditioner usually have a deficiency in certain enzymes that help bilirubin breakdown. This can cause intermittent or mild hyperbilirubinemia.
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Newborn Jaundice
Newborn babies are usually deficient in bilirubin due to the immaturity of the liver. Baby’s first few days might not have efficient liver processing ability for bilirubin, which can cause jaundice.
This jaundice type usually gets resolved on its own and does not pose any long-term harm.
Other Factors
Other causes might include
- Bile duct blockage,
- Infections (viral hepatitis),
- Autoimmune disorders (causing liver damage or inflammation).
Bilirubin Blood Test
It is a common diagnostic test. It helps measure bilirubin levels in your blood.
The blood test is prescribed by your doctor to monitor and diagnose conditions causing high bilirubin levels. (like hemolytic anaemia, liver disease, or certain infections)
In this test, a small blood sample is taken from your arm. It is then sent for analysis in the lab. The results help in determining the underlying cause of hyperbilirubinemia. results also help make appropriate treatment plans.
Normal Bilirubin Level
Normal Bilirubin levels lie between 0.3 to 1.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If the levels are higher than 1.2 mg/dL, it is considered elevated.
Hyperbilirubinemia Treatment
High bilirubin level treatment depends on its underlying cause and severity. Hyperbilirubinemia mild cases might not require treatment, the body eliminates the excess bilirubin itself.
In certain severe cases, treatment becomes necessary that help prevent complications. Some treatment options for high bilirubin levels are:
- Phototherapy for newborns having jaundice.
- Medications are prescribed to help eliminate excess bilirubin.
- Blood transfusion can be helpful in hemolytic anemia to replace damaged RBCs and low bilirubin levels.
- Lifestyle changes including alcohol intake reduction, smoking quitting, and eating a healthy diet can help the functioning of the liver.
Takeaway
Getting diagnosed timely and getting appropriate treatment for high bilirubin levels is important. It helps prevent complications and helps maintain liver health. Having symptoms including dark urine, jaundice, or pale stools can be a sign to seek prompt medical attention. Maintaining bilirubin level balance is essential for liver health. It helps manage bilirubin levels and improves overall well-being and health.
