High Liver Enzyme Count

Among the important indications of any inflammation or damage to the cells in the liver, is one which is known as a high liver enzyme count. This condition may also be referred to as elevated liver enzymes. The most common liver enzymes are alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). These enzymes and certain chemicals are normally produced by the liver. However, when they are leaked in more than normal amounts into the blood stream, then this results in a condition of increased levels of liver enzymes. Although the subject of elevated liver enzymes may sound intimidating, in most cases, it does not indicate any severe kind of liver problem. Also, the enzymes level gets high temporarily and mildly.

What Elevates the Level of Liver Enzymes?

As there could be a plethora of underlying medical conditions which may manifest themselves through a high liver enzyme count, the diagnosis is done by reviewing the medications taken by the patient, his signs and symptoms, including other kinds of abnormal liver function tests and procedures. Common causal factors of this condition include medical conditions like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Then comes obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver enzymes level may shoot up in response to use of certain medications such as those used to control cholesterol, and pain. Less common causes may include Celiac disease, heart attack, liver cancer, Wilson's disease, underactive thyroid gland, and inflammation of the gallbladder. Alcoholic hepatitis and a condition known as hemochromatosis are also associated with this elevated liver enzymes.

Symptoms

Itching and jaundice are the only symptoms which occur in response to increased levels of liver enzymes in the body. Itching, as it is obvious, can occur due to other conditions. However, jaundice may give rise to other secondary symptoms such as dark or cloudy urine, or light stools. If the whites of the eye, the skin and mucous membranes are noticed to take on a yellow discoloration, then these might also indicate the onset of jaundice. There might also be general weakness and fatigue.

Treatment

Due to obvious reasons, this condition is treated by dealing with its underlying causes. Patients must not make a choice for any kind of over-the-counter medications. Only drugs which are prescribed by a doctor must be administered. In some people, alcohol consumption has also been found to be a potential cause of increase in liver enzymes. So, while you are recovering, the best you can do from your part would be to completely avoid alcoholic drinks. Even after you have fully recovered, it is necessary that you drink with moderation, lest the problem occurs again without any warning. As obesity is also one of the causes, inculcating a healthy diet and realizing the importance of daily exercise also goes towards dealing with such a disease and preventing it as well.

As aforesaid, if you have been diagnosed with an elevated liver enzyme level, then do not draw conclusions about something very severe. In most cases, it does not turn out to be so much of a concern. However, to be on the safer side, it is best that as soon as the symptoms occur, you get yourself diagnosed and treated by a professional to keep things from getting worse.