Health examination revealed elevated bilirubin, what could be the cause? How should it be addressed?
Bilirubin is a common indicator for assessing liver function, and relevant indicators related to bilirubin include total bilirubin, direct bilirubin (conjugated bilirubin), and indirect bilirubin (unconjugated bilirubin). Based on the type and level of elevated bilirubin, preliminary judgments can be made about the cause and severity of elevated bilirubin. However, a precise diagnosis of the specific cause requires a comprehensive assessment combined with other auxiliary examinations.
During a health examination, if elevated bilirubin is detected, it could be caused by various factors.
- Liver Diseases: The liver is the primary site for bilirubin metabolism. Damage to the liver may lead to impaired bilirubin metabolism and excretion, resulting in an elevation of bilirubin levels. Common liver diseases include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver damage.
- Hemolytic Anemia: Hemolytic anemia refers to the rapid breakdown of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the plasma, which is then converted into bilirubin. This condition can lead to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood.
- Biliary Obstruction: Biliary obstruction occurs when bile flow in the bile ducts or gallbladder is disrupted, possibly due to factors like gallstones, tumors, or other reasons. Biliary obstruction can lead to the accumulation of bile, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels.
- Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as Gilbert syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, may cause abnormalities in bilirubin metabolism, leading to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood.
