What does it mean when glutamyl transaminase is high, and what should be done?

Elevated glutamyl transaminase levels may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, staying up late, fatigue, fatty liver, bile duct stones, or viral hepatitis. These conditions can be improved through abstinence from alcohol, adjusting sleep habits, dietary modifications, and medication. If enzyme levels continue to rise or are accompanied by jaundice or abdominal pain, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol directly irritates liver cells and the biliary system, increasing metabolic burden and leading to elevated enzyme activity, possibly accompanied by discomfort in the liver area and nausea. Immediate abstinence from alcohol is recommended, avoiding all alcoholic beverages, and adopting a light diet to reduce strain on the liver and gallbladder.

2. Staying up late and fatigue: Chronic sleep deprivation and overexertion disrupt normal liver and gallbladder metabolism, causing mild elevation in enzyme levels, often accompanied by dizziness and fatigue. It is advised to maintain regular作息 (daily routines), ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per night, avoid overwork, and get adequate rest to promote recovery.

3. Fatty liver: A high-fat diet and obesity lead to fat accumulation in liver cells, stimulating the release of enzymes, accompanied by fatigue and dull pain in the liver area. Patients may take medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, silibinin capsules, or reduced glutathione tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Bile duct stones: Stones blocking the bile duct cause bile stasis, irritating the bile duct epithelial cells and leading to elevated enzyme levels, often accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. Under medical supervision, medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, anti-inflammatory and cholagogue tablets, or cefixime dispersible tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis viruses damage liver cells and the biliary system, resulting in increased enzyme levels, accompanied by loss of appetite, fatigue, and jaundice. Patients may follow medical advice to use entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate capsules, or diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules to improve symptoms.

Maintain a light and balanced diet, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein, reduce intake of high-fat, high-sugar, and spicy foods, keep a regular sleep schedule to avoid late nights, engage in moderate exercise to manage body weight, avoid misuse of medications, and have regular follow-up tests to monitor liver function changes.