High Liver Enzymes Causes

The cells in the liver secrete certain chemicals including enzymes into the bloodstream. These enzymes happen to be alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST). With the help of these chemicals and enzymes, the body carries out its normal function of filtration, cleansing, excretion and metabolism. But certain elements may damage the liver cells causing them to release excess amount of the chemicals and enzymes. This is when the condition of elevated liver enzymes occurs. The condition may seem to be a serious one, but in most cases, it is mild by nature and happens for a temporary period.

What Triggers An Increase In Liver Enzyme Levels?

Causes of this condition are determined through a series of liver function tests. Signs and symptoms of the condition and any medications taken by the sufferer also can help in diagnosing the disorder. Factors which are known to be the common causes of elevated enzymes include certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines, diseases such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. People who suffer from obesity or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also stay vulnerable to develop this condition.

There are a whole lot of other medical conditions which may manifest themselves through high liver enzymes. Common of them may include Celiac disease, heart attack, liver cancer, pancreatitis, toxic hepatitis and Wilson's disease. Diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, dermatomyositis, mononucleosis and polymyositis, could also be among the offenders.

Increased liver enzymes may also indicate onset of conditions like cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, hemochromatosis and muscular dystrophy.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include itching and jaundice. Itching occurs as a result of the substances which build up inside the body and remain in the blood and skin. Jaundice may be indicated by dark or cloudy urine and light stools. Also, the white of the eye, the skin and the mucous membranes inside the mouth, may show a yellow discoloration. General weakness and fatigue may also be the accompanying signs.

Treatment Methods

Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. So patients are advised to refrain from using over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications and supplements without the doctor's advice. With the prior consultation with a professional, it might be a necessity for the patient to take such medications under strict supervision.

Eating a healthy, low-fat diet and doing regular workouts, would go towards tackling the problem of obesity, which is another cause of the condition. However, it is again important that patient does not starve away his extra pounds, but follow a balanced diet.

Alcohol consumption, has also been found to be the cause of this condition in some people. So, tapering/reducing alcohol intake or shunning the habit altogether would be a wise decision towards treating this condition and for overall health, as well. So, if the elevated liver enzymes do not show any reduction even after such measures, then additional tests would be opted for the patients to rule out other medical conditions which may be a probable cause.