What Causes High Bilirubin?

High bilirubin levels, known medically as hyperbilirubinemia, can be a cause for concern. Bilirubin is a yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway that breaks down heme in red blood cells. Understanding what causes high bilirubin levels is crucial for addressing potential underlying health issues.

Causes of High Bilirubin

1. Liver Diseases: The liver plays a vital role in processing bilirubin. Conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer can impair the liver’s ability to handle bilirubin, leading to elevated levels.
2. Hemolytic Anemia: This condition causes red blood cells to break down faster than they can be produced. The rapid breakdown increases bilirubin production, overwhelming the liver’s capacity to process it.
3. Genetic Disorders: Certain inherited conditions, like Gilbert’s syndrome, result in an inefficiency in the bilirubin processing enzyme, causing mild to moderate bilirubin elevations.
4. Blockages in the Bile Ducts: Gallstones, tumors, or strictures can block the bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from being excreted properly and leading to accumulation in the blood.
5. Newborn Jaundice: Many newborns experience high bilirubin levels shortly after birth, known as neonatal jaundice. This occurs because their liver is not fully developed and efficient at processing bilirubin.
6. Medication Side Effects: Some medications can impact liver function or the production and breakdown of red blood cells, leading to elevated bilirubin levels.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

High bilirubin levels often manifest as jaundice, where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Other symptoms may include dark urine, light-colored stools, fatigue, and abdominal pain. To diagnose high bilirubin levels, healthcare providers typically perform blood tests to measure the bilirubin concentration and may use imaging studies to check for liver or bile duct issues.

Treatment and Management

The treatment for high bilirubin levels depends on the underlying cause. For liver diseases, managing the liver condition through medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery can help reduce bilirubin levels. Hemolytic anemia may require treatments to slow down red blood cell destruction or address the cause of the anemia. Blockages in the bile ducts might need surgical intervention to remove the obstruction.

For more information on the causes of high bilirubin and other related health issues, you can visit What Causes.

Understanding what causes high bilirubin is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment. If you suspect you have high bilirubin levels, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.