What are the causes of elevated bilirubin levels?
Jun 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, elevated bilirubin levels can be caused by factors such as strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, drug-induced liver injury, hemolytic anemia, and biliary tract obstruction. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. It is recommended to maintain high-quality sleep in daily life and avoid staying up late, as sleep deprivation can disrupt liver function and affect bilirubin metabolism.
In general, strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, drug-induced liver injury, hemolytic anemia, biliary tract obstruction, and other factors can cause elevated bilirubin levels. Symptomatic management through general treatment, medication, or surgical treatment may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended, with corresponding treatment carried out under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Strenuous Exercise
During intense physical activity, metabolic processes in the body accelerate, which may temporarily affect liver function, including bilirubin metabolism, thereby increasing bilirubin levels. Usually, no specific treatment is required. It is recommended to rest appropriately and avoid strenuous exercise before medical testing.
2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Long-term or excessive alcohol intake may irritate the liver, causing liver cell damage and affecting bilirubin metabolism and excretion, leading to elevated bilirubin levels. Symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, and weakness may accompany this condition. It is recommended to quit or reduce alcohol consumption to prevent ongoing liver cell damage.
3. Drug-induced Liver Injury
Medications or chemical substances may directly damage liver cells, impairing their ability to uptake, process, and excrete bilirubin, resulting in bilirubin accumulation in the blood. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and jaundice may occur. It is recommended to discontinue suspected medications immediately and follow medical advice for treatment with medications such as N-acetylcysteine granules, tiopronin injection, or reduced glutathione injection.
4. Hemolytic Anemia
Shortened red blood cell lifespan leads to increased bilirubin production from hemoglobin breakdown, exceeding the liver's processing capacity, thereby elevating bilirubin levels. Symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and jaundice may occur. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as azathioprine tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, or dexamethasone acetate tablets for treatment.
5. Biliary Tract Obstruction
Biliary obstruction may be caused by factors such as stones, inflammation, or bile duct narrowing. Bile excretion impairment leads to regurgitation of conjugated bilirubin into the bloodstream, causing elevated direct bilirubin levels. Symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever may be present. It is recommended to undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography under medical guidance to remove bile duct stones.
It is recommended to ensure high-quality sleep daily to allow the liver sufficient time for self-repair and detoxification at night. Avoid staying up late, as this may disrupt liver function and affect bilirubin metabolism.
