What to do if bilirubin levels in liver function tests are abnormal

Generally, abnormal bilirubin levels in liver function tests may be caused by neonatal physiological jaundice, temporary elevation after strenuous exercise, Gilbert's syndrome, hemolytic anemia, viral hepatitis, and other reasons. Treatment can be conducted under a doctor's guidance using general treatments, medications, and other methods. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Neonatal Physiological Jaundice

After birth, due to increased destruction of red blood cells and relatively insufficient capacity of the liver to process bilirubin, bilirubin may accumulate in the body, leading to jaundice. Generally, no special prevention is required, and jaundice can resolve spontaneously as the newborn's liver function gradually matures.

2. Temporary Elevation After Strenuous Exercise

Following strenuous exercise, minor muscle tissue damage may occur, releasing hemoglobin, which is then converted into bilirubin, possibly causing a temporary increase in blood bilirubin levels. It is recommended to plan exercise intensity and duration reasonably and avoid excessive physical exertion.

3. Gilbert's Syndrome

Gilbert's syndrome mainly results from impaired bilirubin uptake by liver cells and insufficient glucuronyl transferase in the microsomes, potentially causing elevated indirect bilirubin levels, which is a hereditary non-conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. It may also be accompanied by mild jaundice and other symptoms. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as phenobarbital tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, and Yinzhihuang granules.

4. Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia occurs when the rate of red blood cell destruction exceeds the compensatory capacity of bone marrow hematopoiesis, resulting in anemia. The breakdown of hemoglobin after red blood cell destruction leads to increased bilirubin production, causing jaundice and other manifestations. It may also be accompanied by symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Under a doctor’s guidance, treatment may involve medications such as dexamethasone acetate tablets, rituximab injection, and azathioprine tablets.

5. Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a liver disease caused by various hepatitis viruses infecting liver cells, triggering immune responses that lead to liver cell injury, inflammation, and necrosis. When viral infection damages liver cells, it may affect bilirubin metabolism, causing elevated bilirubin levels. Patients may also experience symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea. Patients can take medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate injection under a doctor's advice.

In daily life, maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of foods rich in bilirubin precursors, and ensure nutritional balance. At the same time, avoid excessive fatigue, manage work and rest time reasonably, and prevent liver damage caused by overexertion.