What causes high bile acid levels?
Disease description:
I have a history of cholecystitis and am currently taking medication. I went for a checkup this week, and my doctor told me that my bile acid level is high. I would like to ask, what causes elevated bile acid levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Elevated bile acid levels, commonly referred to as hypercholanemia, can be caused by various factors:
1. Abnormal liver function is a common cause, as the liver is responsible for the synthesis, storage, and excretion of bile acids. Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or liver cancer may lead to abnormal bile acid metabolism.
2. Biliary obstruction is another significant factor; when bile cannot flow normally from the gallbladder into the small intestine, bile acids accumulate in the blood. This may be caused by gallstones, tumors, or inflammatory strictures of the bile ducts.
3. Certain inherited disorders, such as hereditary hypercholanemia, can also cause increased bile acid levels.
In addition, bile acid elevation may be associated with pregnancy-related liver disease, drug side effects, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and certain gastrointestinal diseases, especially in pregnant women.
If bile acid levels remain elevated, prompt medical attention is advised.
