WHAT CAUSES ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES?

06/08/2020

Elevated liver enzymes may be a sign that a person’s liver is not working properly. Damaged or inflamed liver cells release enzymes into the bloodstream.

Causes of elevated liver enzymes

The most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver disease. Research suggests that 25–51% of people with elevated liver enzymes have this condition.

Other health conditions that typically cause elevated liver enzymes include: metabolic syndrome, hepatitis, alcohol or drug use disorder and cirrhosis, which is liver tissue scarring.

Other conditions that less commonly cause elevated liver enzymes include: autoimmune hepatitis, celiac disease, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, liver cancer, hemochromatosis, mononucleosis, sepsis, blood poisoning, Wilson’s disease, polymyositis.

Certain medications, including some pain relievers and statins, can also cause elevated liver enzymes.

Symptoms of common causes that result in elevated liver enzymes

Fatty liver disease: tiredness and pain on the right side of the abdomen,…
Metabolic syndrome: high blood sugar, high blood pressure, being overweight, high cholesterol,…
Hepatitis: fatigue, muscle soreness, joint pain, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, skin itching, yellowing of the eyes and skin,…
Cirrhosis: fatigue and skin itching,…

Treatment for elevated liver enzymes

The treatment for elevated liver enzymes will focus on managing the underlying condition causing the increased levels.

Fatty liver disease

Losing weight is the top priority. The doctor may advise a person to make lifestyle changes to lose weight, such as exercising more, eating a healthful, balanced diet, trying to burn more calories than they consume, reducing their alcohol intake,…

Metabolic syndrome

Common treatments for metabolic syndrome include: losing weight, exercising more, eating a healthful, balanced diet, managing blood sugar levels, reducing stress levels (with meditation yoga, journaling…).

Hepatitis

Treatments for hepatitis depend on whether it is acute or long term. A doctor may recommend the following treatments for acute hepatitis: bed rest, plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol,…

Treatment for long term hepatitis usually includes antiviral medication.

Alcohol or drug misuse disorder

Treatments for alcohol or drug use disorder include: behavioral therapies, medications, support groups.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is permanent liver damage, so it is not always treatable. Treatments such as a modified diet, weight loss, and reduced alcohol consumption can all reduce the risk of further liver damage.

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