High bilirubin levels. Liver ultrasound suggested. Worried about liver disease. Due to alcohol or high protein diet?
Patient: Hello, I am a 25 year old female and just got blood test results back that my bilirubin level is at 3.4. The assistant who called wasn t very helpful beyond saying I am supposed to get an ultrasound of my liver. I am starting to freak out and get really worried I have a serious liver disease or something due to lack of information. I know speaking with my doctor is the best thing, but she is out for a week and I won t be able to. Do bilirubin levels ever randomly spike due to alcohol consumption or could it be due to a diet high in protein? Help! Doctor: Hi and welcome to HCM. It might spike, dut not such high. This is severe elevated bilirubin and it should be evaluated especailly in such young people. It can be caused by liver disease in most cases but also some blood disorders as well. He recommended ultrasound because without it we cant find out the degree of liver damage. After that you ll know is this just fatty liver or there are signs of fibrosis. ALso it can be caused by biliary duct obstruction and gallbladder issue. All in all you dont need to worry, this is something treatable and reversible. YOu cant have cirrhosis or malignancy. It can be alcoohlic damage,autoimmune or caused by drugs and dietary. Whatever it is it will be found and you ll know further tratment, WIsh you good health.