How to treat elevated bilirubin levels

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by intense exercise, hemolytic anemia, bile duct stones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other factors. Treatment methods include ensuring rest, medication, surgical intervention, etc. When bilirubin levels are elevated, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause, follow medical advice for treatment, regularly recheck liver function and bilirubin levels, and closely monitor changes in physical symptoms to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Generally, elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by intense exercise, hemolytic anemia, bile duct stones, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other conditions. Treatment options include ensuring adequate rest, medication, and surgical intervention.

1. Intense exercise: During intense physical activity, the body's metabolism accelerates, increasing red blood cell turnover and destruction, which leads to increased production of indirect bilirubin. It is recommended to rest appropriately, reduce exercise intensity, and ensure adequate sleep and hydration.

2. Hemolytic anemia: Hemolytic anemia occurs when the rate of red blood cell destruction exceeds the bone marrow's capacity to compensate with new red blood cell production. When red blood cells are destroyed, hemoglobin is released and metabolized into large amounts of indirect bilirubin, which the liver cannot process in a timely manner, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as cyclophosphamide tablets or dexamethasone acetate tablets for treatment.

3. Bile duct stones: When stones block the bile duct, bile cannot drain normally, causing direct bilirubin in the bile to reflux into the bloodstream, leading to elevated bilirubin levels. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules or anti-inflammatory bile-promoting tablets for treatment.

4. Hepatitis: When liver cells are damaged, the already formed direct bilirubin may also fail to be excreted normally, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules for treatment.

5. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can cause deformation and narrowing of intrahepatic bile ducts, impeding bile excretion and resulting in the reflux of direct bilirubin into the bloodstream, thereby causing elevated bilirubin levels. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets or ursodeoxycholic acid capsules for treatment. If necessary, patients may undergo surgical treatments such as liver transplantation or splenectomy as advised by their physicians.

When bilirubin levels are elevated, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention to identify the underlying cause, follow medical instructions for treatment, regularly recheck liver function and bilirubin levels, and closely monitor changes in physical symptoms to adjust the treatment plan accordingly. It is also important to ensure sufficient rest and avoid fatigue and strenuous exercise in daily life.

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