What factors can cause elevated bilirubin levels?

Aug 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by factors such as intense physical exercise, improper diet, Gilbert's syndrome, viral hepatitis, or biliary obstruction. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular作息 (routine/schedule), avoid staying up late, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce the burden on the liver, and undergo regular liver function tests.

Generally, elevated bilirubin levels may be caused by vigorous exercise, improper diet, Gilbert's syndrome, viral hepatitis, biliary obstruction, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Vigorous Exercise

During vigorous exercise, the body's metabolism accelerates and red blood cell destruction increases, which may cause temporary elevation of bilirubin. After stopping intense exercise, appropriate rest, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and avoiding excessive fatigue, bilirubin levels usually return to normal spontaneously.

2. Improper Diet

Short-term excessive intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods can increase the liver's metabolic burden and affect bilirubin metabolism, leading to elevated levels. Adjust the diet structure, reduce intake of greasy foods, increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and other foods rich in dietary fiber, and maintain a light and balanced diet.

3. Gilbert's Syndrome

This is a common hereditary disease caused by impaired uptake and conjugation of bilirubin by liver cells, leading to elevated bilirubin levels. In daily life, avoid staying up late and overexertion. Under a doctor's guidance, phenobarbital tablets can be used to promote bilirubin metabolism and alleviate symptoms.

4. Viral Hepatitis

Viral infection causes inflammation of liver cells, affecting the liver cells' ability to uptake, converting, and excreting bilirubin, leading to elevated bilirubin levels. Antiviral drugs such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, lamivudine tablets should be used under a doctor's guidance, along with liver-protecting treatments.

5. Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction caused by gallstones, cholangitis, etc., impedes bile excretion, causing bilirubin to flow back into the blood and elevate. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause; for example, gallstones can be treated with ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, cholangitis can be treated with cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection, and surgery may be required in severe cases to relieve the obstruction.

In daily life, maintain regular作息, avoid staying up late; quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce the burden on the liver; undergo regular liver function tests to detect abnormalities early and intervene promptly.