Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands that helps digest carbohydrates. High levels of amylase in the blood can be a sign of certain medical conditions, such as pancreatitis or mumps.
Causes of High Amylase
Pancreatitis is the most common cause of high amylase levels. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which is the organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes, including amylase. When the pancreas is inflamed, it releases more amylase than normal into the bloodstream.
Mumps is a viral infection that can cause high amylase levels. The virus can cause inflammation of the salivary glands, resulting in increased production of amylase.
Gallstones can also cause high amylase levels. If a gallstone blocks the duct that carries bile and pancreatic enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine, the pancreas will be forced to produce more of these enzymes, including amylase, to compensate.
Kidney Failure can also cause high amylase levels. Kidney failure can cause the body to retain too much fluid and this can affect the production of amylase.
Cancer can cause high amylase levels as well. Certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, can cause the pancreas to produce more amylase than normal.
Diagnosis and Treatment
High amylase levels can be diagnosed through a blood test. If the results indicate high amylase levels, further testing may be necessary to determine the cause. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is pancreatitis, treatment may involve antibiotics, pain medications, and possibly surgery. If the cause is mumps, treatment may involve rest and fluids.