What causes elevated bile acid levels of 18?
Disease description:
I had a physical examination yesterday, and the doctor told me my bile acid level is 18. I would like to know what causes elevated bile acid levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
A bile acid level of 18 refers to a concentration of 18 μmol/L. The normal reference range for total bile acids in the human body is typically 0.1–10 μmol/L. Patients with chronic liver diseases may experience abnormal bile acid metabolism, leading to elevated bile acid levels such as 18 μmol/L. Obstruction in the biliary tract can also prevent bile from entering the intestine normally, causing bile reflux and subsequently increasing bile acid levels. Additionally, patients with a history of gallstones or gallbladder polyps who undergo treatment and take certain medications may experience an increase in bile acids, resulting in a level of 18 μmol/L.
