Why is bilirubin too high?
Disease description:
Recently, I suddenly felt unwell, and after various examinations, my doctor told me that my bilirubin levels were too high. May I ask, what causes elevated bilirubin levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gao Jun
Elevated bilirubin levels are usually associated with multiple factors, including but not limited to intense physical exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, liver diseases, biliary tract disorders, and genetic conditions.
Intense physical activity and heavy alcohol consumption may temporarily impair liver function, thereby affecting the normal metabolism of bilirubin and causing elevated levels. Liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and cirrhosis, and biliary tract disorders such as biliary obstruction and gallstones, may directly prevent bilirubin from being properly processed or excreted, leading to its accumulation in the body and resulting in elevated bilirubin levels.
In addition, certain inherited conditions such as Gilbert's syndrome can also impair the liver's ability to process bilirubin normally, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels.
When elevated bilirubin levels are detected, prompt medical consultation and comprehensive evaluation are necessary.
