Can excessive liver fire cause elevated total bilirubin levels?

Liver fire excess generally does not cause elevated total bilirubin, and there is no direct causal relationship between liver fire excess and high total bilirubin. Liver fire excess is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), referring to dysfunction of the liver's regulating function, leading to hyperactive liver qi. Elevated total bilirubin, on the other hand, is an abnormal laboratory finding in Western medicine, commonly associated with liver diseases, biliary tract disorders, or hemolytic anemia. Although TCM theory suggests that liver fire excess might indirectly affect liver function, it does not explicitly state that it leads to increased total bilirubin. Since elevated total bilirubin can result from various causes, targeted treatment based on the specific underlying condition is required. For patients with liver fire excess, regulation through TCM approaches—such as adjusting diet, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being—is recommended. For those with elevated total bilirubin, specific Western medical treatments tailored to the individual condition are necessary. If there are concerns or worsening symptoms, prompt medical consultation is advised for professional diagnosis and treatment.