What’s the matter with high bilirubin?
High bilirubin is a problem that many people may encounter during examination or medical treatment. It may be related to liver, gallbladder or blood system diseases. This article will explain in detail the causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods and countermeasures of high bilirubin to help everyone better understand this health problem.
1. What is bilirubin?
Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced after the breakdown of red blood cells. It is mainly metabolized by the liver and excreted with bile. Bilirubin is divided into direct bilirubin (conjugated bilirubin) and indirect bilirubin (unconjugated bilirubin), and the sum of the two is called total bilirubin. Under normal circumstances, the bilirubin level remains in a low range. If it exceeds the normal value, it is called high bilirubin.
| Bilirubin type | Normal range (mg/dL) | clinical significance |
|---|---|---|
| total bilirubin | 0.3-1.2 | Reflects overall bilirubin levels |
| direct bilirubin | 0.1-0.3 | Related to liver metabolism and bile excretion |
| indirect bilirubin | 0.2-0.8 | Reflects the decomposition of red blood cells |
2. Common causes of high bilirubin
There are many reasons for high bilirubin, the following are the common ones:
| Reason type | specific disease or factor | Influence mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Liver disease | Hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer | Impaired liver metabolic function |
| bile duct obstruction | Gallstones, cholangitis, pancreatic cancer | Obstructed excretion of bile |
| hemolytic disease | Hemolytic anemia, malaria | Massive destruction of red blood cells |
| other factors | Drug side effects, neonatal jaundice | temporary metabolic abnormality |
3. Symptoms of high bilirubin
When bilirubin is high, patients may experience the following symptoms:
1.Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and sclera (whites of the eyes) is the most typical symptom.
2.Darker urine color: Urine may appear tea-colored or dark yellow.
3.Itchy skin: May cause skin itching due to bile salt deposition.
4.Fatigue, loss of appetite: Abnormal liver function may be accompanied by systemic symptoms.
5.abdominal pain or bloating: Biliary tract obstruction or liver disease may cause abdominal discomfort.
4. How to diagnose high bilirubin?
Diagnosing high bilirubin usually requires the following tests:
| Check items | purpose |
|---|---|
| liver function test | Assess bilirubin levels and liver function |
| Blood routine | Check for hemolytic disease |
| Abdominal B-ultrasound or CT | Examine the structure of the liver and biliary tract |
| Hepatitis virus testing | Check for viral hepatitis |
5. Countermeasures for high bilirubin
1.Treat the cause: Adopt corresponding treatment according to the specific cause (such as hepatitis, gallstones, etc.).
2.Adjust diet: Reduce high-fat and high-cholesterol foods and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins.
3.avoid drinking alcohol: Alcohol will increase the burden on the liver, so alcohol should be strictly avoided.
4.Regular review: Monitor changes in bilirubin levels and adjust treatment plans in a timely manner.
5.Treatment of neonatal jaundice: Most of them are physiological jaundice, which can be improved by blue light irradiation or increased feeding.
6. Summary
High bilirubin may be a sign of liver, biliary tract or blood system disease, and the cause needs to be further determined based on symptoms and examinations. Early detection and intervention can effectively control most cases. If jaundice or other related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delaying the condition.
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