What are the causes of high bilirubin levels?

　　In general, elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by factors such as neonatal physiological jaundice, strenuous exercise, viral hepatitis, biliary obstruction, and cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Neonatal Physiological Jaundice: After birth, newborns experience increased red blood cell destruction, while the liver's ability to process bilirubin is not yet fully developed, leading to temporary elevation of bilirubin. This manifests as mild yellowing of the skin and sclera, with normal feeding and good mental status. Enhancing feeding and promoting bowel movements can help eliminate bilirubin. Most cases resolve spontaneously within 2-3 weeks after birth. Severe jaundice can be treated with blue light therapy, and medication intervention is generally unnecessary.

　　2. Strenuous Exercise: Short-term intense physical activity may cause slight red blood cell damage, increasing bilirubin release, while simultaneously increasing the liver's metabolic load, resulting in transient elevation of bilirubin accompanied by fatigue. Ceasing strenuous exercise, ensuring adequate rest, and drinking plenty of water to promote metabolism can help bilirubin levels return to normal within 1-2 weeks upon re-examination, without requiring specific treatment.

　　3. Viral Hepatitis: Viral infection damages liver cells, impairing bilirubin metabolism and excretion, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. This may be accompanied by fatigue, reduced appetite, and pain in the liver area. Liver function tests may show elevated transaminases. Patients should rest in bed, avoid overexertion, maintain a light diet, and follow medical advice to take antiviral medications such as Entecavir Dispersible Tablets, Silymarin Capsules, and Reduced Glutathione Tablets to protect liver cells and promote bilirubin metabolism.

　　4. Biliary Obstruction: Gallstones, cholecystitis, and other conditions can block bile ducts, hindering bile excretion and causing bilirubin to flow back into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels. Symptoms may include skin itching, lighter-colored stools, and abdominal pain, with imaging studies showing bile duct dilation. Patients should avoid fatty foods, follow medical advice to take medications such as Ursodeoxycholic Acid Capsules, Anti-inflammatory and Cholagogic Tablets, and Racemic Scopolamine Tablets to relieve bile duct spasms and promote bile excretion. In cases of severe obstruction, laparoscopic cholecystectomy or endoscopic bile duct stone removal may be required to relieve the obstruction and restore bile flow.

　　5. Cirrhosis: Widespread degeneration and necrosis of liver cells, along with increased fibrous tissue in the liver, compress bile ducts, causing impaired bilirubin metabolism and excretion, which leads to elevated bilirubin levels. Symptoms may include ascites, splenomegaly, and esophageal varices, with progressive worsening of the condition. Patients must strictly abstain from alcohol, limit protein intake, and follow medical advice to take medications such as Polyene Phosphatidylcholine Capsules, Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets, and Ademetionine Enteric-coated Tablets for liver cell protection and improved bile metabolism. Liver transplantation may be considered for patients in the end-stage to replace the damaged liver and restore liver function.

　　In daily life, maintaining a regular routine, avoiding staying up late and excessive fatigue, and reducing the burden on the liver are essential. A light diet avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods, along with complete abstinence from smoking and alcohol, can prevent further liver cell damage. Regular liver function tests are recommended, especially for individuals with a family history of liver disease or those on long-term medication, to detect abnormalities early and intervene promptly to maintain normal liver function.