What does it mean if total bilirubin levels are elevated?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, elevated total bilirubin levels may be caused by neonatal physiological jaundice, improper diet, hemolytic anemia, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other factors. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of foods rich in bilirubin precursors, ensure adequate nutrition, and avoid overeating.
Generally, elevated total bilirubin levels may be caused by neonatal physiological jaundice, improper diet, hemolytic anemia, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other factors. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Neonatal Physiological Jaundice
After birth, newborns experience increased red blood cell breakdown, while the liver's ability to process bilirubin is relatively weak, which may lead to bilirubin accumulation and cause jaundice, manifesting as elevated total bilirubin. Usually, no special prevention is required, and jaundice may resolve spontaneously as the newborn's liver function gradually matures.
2. Dietary Factors
Consuming excessive amounts of foods rich in bilirubin precursors, such as animal liver and blood products, may cause elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, resulting in increased total bilirubin. It is recommended to adjust the dietary structure and reduce the intake of such foods.
3. Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia occurs when excessive red blood cells are destroyed, leading to increased release of hemoglobin, which is subsequently converted into bilirubin, potentially causing elevated total bilirubin levels. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. Treatment may include medications such as dexamethasone acetate tablets, rituximab injection, and azathioprine tablets, under a doctor's guidance.
4. Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis results from liver cell damage caused by viral infection, which affects bilirubin metabolism, leading to elevated total bilirubin levels and possibly jaundice. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Patients may take entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate injection, as advised by a physician.
5. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis may develop due to long-term chronic hepatitis, alcohol poisoning, drug-induced liver injury, and other factors leading to widespread liver cell necrosis and fibrous tissue proliferation. When liver function is severely impaired, bilirubin metabolism can be disrupted, potentially causing a significant increase in bilirubin levels. Patients may also experience symptoms such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment options include Fuzheng Huayu capsules, octreotide acetate injection, and terlipressin injection, taken in accordance with medical advice.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of foods rich in bilirubin precursors, ensure balanced nutrition, and avoid overeating.
