Bilirubin, a byproduct of liver function, can cause health problems at abnormal levels. High levels can cause jaundice and other symptoms, and in infants, it can be fatal. Maintaining a healthy liver through a balanced diet and avoiding liver-toxic substances is crucial. Regular liver function tests can identify any conditions that may need treatment. Enzyme therapy can help boost liver function and reduce levels of toxic bilirubin.
Bilirubin, a byproduct of liver function, can cause health problems at abnormal levels. It is created during the breakdown of red or old blood cells and gives bile and stool their yellow-brown color. Levels of bilirubin can be measured in the bloodstream or directly from the liver. Healthy levels in the bloodstream range from .20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) to 1.50 mg/dL. In the liver, healthy levels average between .00 and .03 mg/dL. These levels can be measured during liver function tests.
Jaundice can be a sign of abnormally high bilirubin levels. When too much bilirubin builds up in the blood, it can cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, also called the whites. Jaundice caused by excessive bilirubin is usually a sign of liver dysfunction. When the liver fails to remove it through excretion, the excess can leak into the bloodstream, discolor the skin and cause other symptoms, such as brown urine. Many conditions cause this type of dysfunction: from cirrhosis to anemia, blocked bile ducts and viral hepatitis.
People with high bilirubin may also experience nausea, which may or may not lead to vomiting. Fatigue, when combined with other symptoms, can also be a sign of excess bilirubin in the blood or liver. Elevated bilirubin levels are usually just a symptom of liver disease, and associated symptoms can vary depending on the disease or condition causing the liver dysfunction.
In infants, high bilirubin levels can be fatal. Hyperbilirubinemia, the condition of excess bilirubin in newborns, can cause brain damage and related problems, such as permanent deafness, muscle dysfunction or death. Newborns with jaundice are often treated with blood transfusions or light therapy to minimize the risk and reduce excess bilirubin. Tests for bilirubin above 25 mg/dL can be done via a heel stick, which is a blood sample taken from the heel of the foot.
In adults, the first step to maintaining healthy bilirubin levels is maintaining a healthy liver. This means eating a properly balanced diet. Also, avoid excessive intake of anything that can cause liver toxicity. This can include alcohol, tobacco smoke, and drugs that affect liver function, including some standard, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
Regular liver function tests can also identify any conditions that may need treatment. Early identification of liver dysfunction can prevent long-term problems that could lead to severe liver damage and excess bilirubin. For already damaged livers, enzyme therapy can help boost liver function and reduce levels of toxic bilirubin.
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