Elevated Liver Enzymes – Causes And Prevention

Liver Enzymes

The proteins that speed up the chemical reactions in the body are called liver enzymes. Some of these chemical reactions produce substances that help the risk factors of blood clot, fight infections, break the toxins and food down and produce bile.

Some of the common liver enzymes are,

• Aspartate transaminase (AST).
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
• Alanine transaminase (ALT).

Causes and Treatment of Elevated Liver Enzymes

Mentioned below are some of the causes and treatments respectively for elevated liver enzymes.

Alcohol or drug use disorder

Using drugs and consuming a large amount of alcohol might lead to liver damage and inflammation.

When drugs are the reason for liver inflammation, it is called toxic hepatitis, and when alcohol is the underlying cause, it is called alcoholic hepatitis. The symptoms of these resemble other hepatitis strains.

Treatment

If a person feels like alcohol or drug use is causing hindrance to their day-to-day activities, it is advised to consult with a doctor. Some of the treatments for alcohol and drug use disorder are:

• Medications
• Support groups
• Behavioural therapies

Fatty liver disease

Elevated liver enzymes are the leading cause of fatty liver disease. Almost 25-51% of people with elevated liver enzymes are diagnosed with this condition. This happens when fat builds in the liver.

When the fat build-up is due to the consumption of alcohol, it is called an alcoholic fatty liver, and when the build-up is not due to alcohol, it is called a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

People who have metabolic syndrome are at an elevated level of risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Pain on the right side of the abdomen and tiredness can sometimes be seen in people with fatty liver disease, and most of the time, it has no symptoms.  

Treatment

In the case of alcoholic fatty liver disease, the doctors might help them cut alcohol consumption down.

Individuals suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can discuss with their physicians regarding their plan for weight loss. Doctors might refer them to nutritionists and or personal trainers as this will support them in a more regulated way. They might also advise lifestyle changes like:

• Balanced diet
• Burning more calories than their intake
• Working out more

Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition in which the liver is permanently scarred that prevents the liver from functioning properly. This might eventually end up in liver failure. Skin itching and fatigue are some of the symptoms of cirrhosis.

This condition is more likely if the individual doesn’t get the required treatment for fatty liver disease or hepatitis. Usually the liver enzyme levels are checked if an individual has cirrhosis symptoms.

Treatment

Cirrhosis is not always treatable as it does permanent damage to the liver. The treatment is usually based on the underlying cause of the liver damage. The treatment might also include weight loss, less alcohol consumption and a modified diet.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome consists of a number of symptoms that might level up the risk of heart disease. Some of the symptoms are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and being over weight.

When one or more symptoms are presented in an individual, the physician will test for elevated liver enzymes.

Treatment

Treatment for metabolic syndrome includes:

• Managing blood sugar levels
• Exercise
• Losing weight
• Eating a healthful, balanced diet
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Exercising more

Hepatitis

Liver damage and inflammation are the two most common issues caused by the hepatitis virus. There are various strains of the hepatitis virus, but they all commonly have similar symptoms, like:

• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Muscle soreness

Treatment

Treatment for hepatitis depends on whether it is long-term or acute; depending on that, the physician will prescribe the treatment.

Long-term hepatitis is usually treated with antiviral medication to help with the management of the progression and symptoms of the disease. Treatment for acute hepatitis may include:

• bed rest
• avoiding alcohol
• plenty of fluids

Other conditions

These are the few conditions that are less likely to cause elevated liver enzymes.

• Medication interactions
• Infection with the Epstein-Bar virus (a type of herpes) 
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Liver cancer
• Celiac disease

Ways to Prevent Elevated Liver Enzymes

A few conditions that raise liver enzymes can be avoided, while some cannot. These are a few tips to keep the liver healthy:

• Maintain weight
• Get vaccines for hepatitis A and B
• Avoid or drink alcohol in moderation
• Exercise regularly
• Have a healthy diet
• Maintain blood sugar in case of diabetes

Conclusion

Elevated liver enzymes can be caused due to a number of reasons like medication and liver diseases. It might be temporary or permanent. If there is an indication of elevated levels of liver enzymes, it is better to consult with a physician.

FAQ