Do you have a friend or loved one diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes? If so, you may be wondering what could have caused this. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of many different things, some of which are pretty serious. In this article, we will discuss ten causes of elevated liver enzyme levels. We will also provide information on how to get them back to normal levels.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, also known as mono, is a viral infection typically spread through contact with infected saliva. Mononucleosis can cause several symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and fatigue. In some cases, the virus can also cause the liver to become inflamed, leading to elevated liver failure.
Mononucleosis is most commonly diagnosed in young adults, although it can occur at any age. There is no specific treatment for Mononucleosis, and the virus generally resolves on its own over time. However, in rare cases, liver damage caused by mononucleosis can be permanent. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks of mononucleosis and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
Consuming Too Much Alcohol
Consuming too much alcohol is one of the most common causes of severe liver inflammation. When you drink alcohol, your liver works to break it down. However, if you drink too much, your liver can become overwhelmed and function less effectively. As a result, it can cause a build-up of enzymes in your blood, leading to elevated levels.
Consuming too much alcohol can also damage the hepatic cell membranes and alter the structure of liver enzymes. These changes can lead to an increase in enzymes that are released into the bloodstream. Alcoholic hepatitis is liver inflammation that can lead to scarring and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue.
Viral Hepatitis
While many factors can cause elevated liver enzymes, one of the most common causes is viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by several different viruses, including the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. In most cases, viral hepatitis is spread through contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids.
Once infected, the virus begins to damage the liver cells, causing the liver enzymes to elevate. In some cases, viral hepatitis can lead to chronic liver disease or even death. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis and to seek medical treatment if you suspect you may have been infected.
Certain Medications
Some medications can lead to elevated liver enzymes. These include over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and prescription medications, such as statins and corticosteroids.
In most cases, the elevation is mild and temporary, and the liver enzymes return to normal once the medication is discontinued. However, the elevation can be more severe in some cases, and the liver damage can be permanent. Therefore, if you are taking any medications, you must talk to your doctor about the potential risks of liver damage.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are one of the most common causes of elevated liver enzymes. These conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis are all autoimmune diseases that can affect the liver.
Autoimmune diseases often run in families, so genetics may play a role in their development. Treatment for autoimmune diseases typically involves medications that suppress the immune system. If left untreated, these conditions, thyroid disorders, can be life-threatening.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes. It occurs when there is an accumulation of fat in the liver. It can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or diabetes. Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and death. If you are at risk for fatty liver disease, you must talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
Metabolic Syndrome
A metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that fuels heart disease risk problems and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. The main components of metabolic syndrome are high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat around the waist.
People with metabolic syndrome are also more likely to have inflammation, damaging the liver. In some cases, the only symptom of metabolic syndrome is elevated liver enzymes.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is one of the most common causes of elevated liver enzymes. It is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and can be caused by several factors, including alcohol abuse, gallstones, and certain medications. Pancreatitis can lead to a build-up of toxins in the liver and can also lead to injured liver cells and cause them to leak enzymes into the blood.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is when the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals suffering from celiac disease consume foods that contain gluten, the immune system attack by damaging the small intestine lining. It can result in symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Celiac disease also leads to elevated liver enzymes. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood. When the lining of the intestine is damaged, toxins can leak into the bloodstream and overwhelm the liver, leading to inflammation and increased chances of liver cancer mononucleosis. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious health complications, such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, and even cancer.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
There are many potential causes of elevated liver enzymes. In some cases, the exact cause may not be known. However, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a condition that is known to lead to elevated liver enzymes. PSC is a chronic inflammation of the bile ducts.
The bile ducts are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a fluid that helps to break down fat in the intestine. Severe liver inflammation caused by PSC can lead to scarring of the bile ducts. This scarring can narrow or block the bile ducts, causing a build-up of bile in the liver. This build-up can damage liver cells and lead to elevated liver enzymes.
Conclusion
A variety of conditions can lead to elevated liver enzymes. Some causes, such as fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome, are more common than others. Sometimes, the exact cause of elevated liver enzymes may not be known. However, many potential causes range from benign to life-threatening. If you have elevated liver enzymes, it is essential to talk to your doctor so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can get their enzymes back to normal levels.
