When liver enzymes are high, it's a sign of liver damage or disease. High levels of liver enzymes can indicate inflammation, infection, or exposure to toxins. In some cases, they can also indicate the presence of a tumor. High levels of liver enzymes can lead to jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Causes of High Liver Enzymes
High liver enzymes can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a virus, such as the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. These viruses can cause liver damage and lead to elevated liver enzymes.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver occurs when too much fat accumulates in your liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and damage, resulting in high liver enzymes.
Alcohol Abuse
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to high liver enzymes.
Medications
Certain medications, such as acetaminophen and statins, can cause liver damage and lead to elevated liver enzymes.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that your liver enzymes are high, they will order a liver function test to confirm the diagnosis. This test measures the level of certain enzymes in your blood.
Treatment
The treatment for high liver enzymes depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is hepatitis, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. If the cause is fatty liver, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If the cause is alcohol abuse, your doctor may recommend abstaining from alcohol. If the cause is certain medications, your doctor may recommend discontinuing or changing the medication.
