Causes of High Bilirubin Levels

Elevated bilirubin levels are usually associated with multiple factors, mainly divided into physiological and pathological categories. Physiological factors, such as long-term alcohol consumption, vigorous exercise, or physiological jaundice in newborns, may cause temporary increases in bilirubin. However, bilirubin levels generally return to normal after removing the triggering factors. Pathological factors are more complex and mainly include liver diseases, biliary tract diseases, and genetic disorders. The liver, being the primary organ responsible for bilirubin metabolism and excretion, when damaged, directly affects the body's ability to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation and elevation in the blood. Biliary tract diseases, such as biliary obstruction, can hinder the normal excretion of bilirubin, also causing elevated bilirubin levels. Additionally, certain genetic disorders, such as Gilbert's syndrome, can impair the liver's ability to properly convert bilirubin, resulting in increased bilirubin levels.