Is elevated transaminase a sign of hepatitis?

Elevated transaminase levels do not necessarily indicate hepatitis. Transaminases are key enzymes in liver metabolism, and their elevation merely suggests possible liver cell damage. While hepatitis is one cause of such damage, numerous non-hepatitis factors can also lead to increased transaminase levels. If transaminase levels remain elevated or are accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue or jaundice, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

Transaminases primarily reside within liver cells and participate in metabolic processes. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream in large amounts, causing elevated test results. Hepatitis, which involves inflammatory injury to liver cells, can indeed raise transaminase levels—but it is not the only cause.

Factors such as alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, intense physical exercise, fatty liver due to obesity, medication use, biliary tract diseases, and cardiac conditions may all damage liver cells or interfere with transaminase metabolism, leading to temporary or persistent elevations—none of which fall under the category of hepatitis.

To maintain liver health, it's important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late, reduce intake of high-fat and oily foods to manage body weight, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, avoid indiscriminate use of medications, and undergo regular liver function tests. Any abnormalities should be promptly investigated to identify underlying causes.