Question 1

elevated bilirubin, alcohol free for 20 years, what might be the cause?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say . . .: There are many causes for an elevated bilirubin. Some causes are harmless, while other causes can be pretty serious. If this is the first time that you have had an elevated bilirubin, it is important to have other blood tests, as well as imaging studies of your liver. Best of luck.

Question 2

what can i do if my bilirubin levels are a little high? i think this is from drinking a lot of alcohol? how can i lower bilirubin?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin: The alcohol is a likely culprit and the solution is to slow down. Now you are male and 2 to 7% of the population has Gilbert's syndrome which is an elevated bilirubin secondary to conjugation abnormality. You might want to check any older lab work if you have had liver studies .  Are other liver enzymes elevated?  Alcohol problems typically elevate other enzymes too.

Question 3

can heavy alcohol use elevate bilirubin?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It's common. Usually there will be some elevation in both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin if the cause is alcohol, and the transaminases will also be up. Gilbert's and medication effects are two other important considerations depending on the numbers and which tests are up.

Question 4

how long does it take for the liver to repair itself after abstaining from alcohol? drank 5 drinks 3 nights a week for 3 years. bilirubin was 2.4

Accepted Answer

Really fast: Sober up and your liver enzymes can be okay in a few days if you haven't given yourself alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Keep up the good work and even if you have one of the advanced forms, it can often self-heal. I'm really happy for you. So is everybody who loves you. Congratulations.

Question 5

i was told my bilirubin readings were up from 25 to 46 and i am very worried i drink alcohol once a week. time between needing a were 12 months?

Accepted Answer

Liver dis: High bilirubin in alcoholics often suggests alcholic liver disease (inflammation or cirrhosis) which eventually leads to liver failure.  Other tests including biopsy are needed to evaluate the liver pathology

Question 6

my alt and ast tests came to 110 and 47 respectively  the bilirubin however is normal at 0.4. what should i read of this? could this be alcohol relate

Accepted Answer

Probably nothing.: Mildly and nonspecifically elevated. Could be alcohol related. Quit drinking and remeasure in a few weeks.

Question 7

july - .16mg dir and.56mg indir bilirubin. now i have .52 direct and .75 indirect.... my alt 41-54 ast 27-36. alb 4.9-4.5.had acetam&alcohol in summer?

Accepted Answer

Unclear question: Taking alcohol and Acetaminophen together is a bad idea. Abstain from both for three months and redo the tests and consult with your doctor.

Question 8

raised alt for last five yrs from 100-180 hepititis tests negative, bilirubin is on margin, fibroscan shows level two, no probems physically non alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal liver test: Clearly there is a liver process going on. Would extend the valuation to autoimmune and metabolic causes of liver disease.

Question 9

would drinking alcohol be a problem if i have low levels of bilirubin in my liver? thank you.

Accepted Answer

No: High blood levels of bilirubin would be of concern and require investigation as to its cause. If your liver panel of blood tests are healthy, moderate alcohol ingestion would be permitted.

Question 10

can a person with gilbert's syndrome still drink alcohol (1-2 drinks) per day or is it dangerous since bilirubin is already elevated?

Accepted Answer

Gilbert's syndrome: This is harmless. But excess alcohol can poison anyone's liver. I do not know what size drink you are talking about. 2 Oz a day is max recommended for most but less is better. Any Alcoholics in your family? Beware then due to this but Gilbert's is no worries.

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Doctor answers about:

Bilirubin and alcohol

A member asked:

Elevated bilirubin, alcohol free for 20 years, what might be the cause?

A member asked:

What can i do if my bilirubin levels are a little high? i think this is from drinking a lot of alcohol? how can i lower bilirubin?

A member asked:

Can heavy alcohol use elevate bilirubin?

A member asked:

How long does it take for the liver to repair itself after abstaining from alcohol? drank 5 drinks 3 nights a week for 3 years. bilirubin was 2.4

A member asked:

I was told my bilirubin readings were up from 25 to 46 and i am very worried i drink alcohol once a week. time between needing a were 12 months?

A member asked:

My alt and ast tests came to 110 and 47 respectively the bilirubin however is normal at 0.4. what should i read of this? could this be alcohol relate

A member asked:

July - .16mg dir and.56mg indir bilirubin. now i have .52 direct and .75 indirect.... my alt 41-54 ast 27-36. alb 4.9-4.5.had acetam&alcohol in summer?

A member asked:

Raised alt for last five yrs from 100-180 hepititis tests negative, bilirubin is on margin, fibroscan shows level two, no probems physically non alcohol?

A member asked:

Would drinking alcohol be a problem if i have low levels of bilirubin in my liver? thank you.

A member asked:

Can a person with gilbert's syndrome still drink alcohol (1-2 drinks) per day or is it dangerous since bilirubin is already elevated?

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