What raises bilirubin. Total bilirubin is elevated, what does this mean in an adult? Causes of increased total bilirubin. About the importance of proper nutrition

An important examination of human health is a complete blood count. Based on this analysis, it is possible to establish the norm for the content of such an important substance as bilirubin. Its high rate indicates the development of any serious disease that occurs in the human body.

The bile-containing pigment formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin substances in red blood cells is called bilirubin. The formation of bilirubin occurs as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. When red blood cells are destroyed, hemoglobin is released and processed by the bone marrow and spleen. This bilirubin is quite toxic to the body, after its formation, it enters the liver, where it is further processed.

Yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes as a result of disorders associated with bilirubin is called jaundice. Read more about her.

As a result of the processing of primary bilirubin by the liver, it becomes safe and safely leaves the human body with urine and feces. Most often, staining of feces in a dark color indicates the removal of purified bilirubin from the body. Very often, new red blood cells are formed in a person, and the old ones are destroyed accordingly, with the help of bilirubin, the body is freed from "unnecessary" red blood cells quickly and safely.

Types

Bilirubin is usually divided into three types:

1. General.
2. Indirect.
3. Straight.

Total bilirubin means the amount of indirect and direct bilirubin contained in the body.

To make the correct diagnosis, you need to find out which type of bilirubin is elevated, since many different reasons affect the increase in direct and indirect pigment.

The norm of bilirubin for adults and children

The value of the norm of bilirubin varies in males and females. Women generally produce less bilirubin than men. During pregnancy, a woman's production of bilirubin increases significantly, since a woman's body has a heavy load. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of pigment in the blood of a pregnant woman, since a large amount of bilirubin can indicate the development of serious diseases: cholecystitis, viral hepatitis, hemolytic anemia. The norms of the amount of bilirubin are presented in table No. 1 and table No. 2.

Table 1. The norm of indicators of bilirubin in the blood in men and women.

Table 2.The norm of indicators of bilirubin in the blood in children of different ages.

In children, bilirubin plays an equally important role in the body than in an adult. This substance is responsible for the quality functioning of the liver and other organs. In a child, as in an adult, there are 3 types of bilirubin: general, direct and indirect. The last bilirubin in large quantities is considered dangerous for the health of the baby, as it causes severe intoxication of the body (mainly brain cells and tissues suffer).

An increased content of bilirubin is considered normal only for newborns who develop the so-called physiological jaundice (see table No. 2). The baby's body becomes yellowish, but as soon as the liver begins to function normally, jaundice disappears. Newborn children should still be under the close supervision of a pediatrician, especially in the first days after birth.

If physiological jaundice does not go away by the age of one and a half months, this is considered abnormal and indicates violations in the functioning of the liver and gallbladder of the baby.

In this video, you will learn more about the norms of bilirubin in the blood.

Why does bilirubin rise?

Doctors identify several main reasons why the level of bilirubin in the human body rises:

Attention! Increased breakdown of red blood cells indicates such pathologies as: malaria, poisoning of the body with various toxic substances, some types of anemia, and may also be present during blood transfusions that differ in blood group and Rh factor from the required one, when confirming the Rh conflict of the child's blood with mother's blood (this pathology is found only in newborns) and after undergoing heart surgery and with a diagnosis of heart failure.

With pathological changes in the liver, as a result of which it is not capable of processing indirect bilirubin into direct:

• acute hepatitis of toxic and infectious origin;
• alcoholic hepatitis;
• congenital insufficiency of enzymatic substances of the liver (Gilbert's syndrome);
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• oncology in the liver;
• lack of vitamin B 12;
• exposure to liver cells of various toxic substances, chemical or plant origin;
• fatty liver disease (not due to alcohol use);
• poor blood supply and low oxygen content in blood cells.

With pathologies of the gallbladder, direct bilirubin increases, which is also unfavorable for the body. An increase in direct pigment can occur as a result of:

• gallbladder infections that cause pathological changes in the tissues of the organ;
• inflammatory processes in the biliary tract;
• narrowing of the ducts through which bile is excreted;
• cholangitis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis;
• taking certain medications that reduce bile production, such as oral contraceptives that contain estrogen;
• when stones enter the bile ducts;
• helminthiasis and giardiasis;
• neoplasms in the gallbladder.

Attention! As a result of a violation of bile excretion, human feces acquire a clay (light) shade, this occurs with insufficient processing of bilirubin.

Methods for lowering bilirubin

In order to start a decrease in pigment indicators, it is necessary to accurately establish the cause, due to which the level of bilirubin turned out to be elevated. For this, it is necessary to undergo various examinations of the liver, circulatory system and gallbladder. Self-medication is not recommended, otherwise you can get serious complications for your health, as soon as after making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an effective treatment to reduce the level of bilirubin.

Drug treatment

When bilirubin is elevated due to a violation of the outflow of bile, the doctor prescribes choleretic agents that increase the secretion of the enzyme in the gallbladder, which means that bilirubin will also decrease with its excretion. If hereditary diseases affecting the formation of bilirubin are diagnosed, various vitamin-mineral complexes, choleretic agents, sorbents are prescribed as treatment.

If bilirubin is elevated due to infectious diseases of the liver, as well as after the occurrence of inflammatory processes in it, it is advisable to prescribe hepatoprotectors, antiviral and antibacterial therapy. You can also take such a drug for the liver as Karsil. If the increase in pigment is associated with poisoning of the body, you can take various antioxidants and sorbents, for example, Enterosgel, Polysorb, activated charcoal.

Treatment with diet

To lower the level of bilirubin in the body, it is necessary to adhere to proper nutrition. It is recommended to drink more than 2.5 liters of pure non-carbonated water, fresh juices, berry fruit drinks, herbal teas daily. Strong tea, coffee, and carbonated lemonades should be discarded. It is impossible with increased bilirubin to drink alcohol in any, even the most minimal quantities. Food should be balanced and easily digestible. Fatty, spicy and fried foods will have to be completely abandoned. It is good to use various cereals with a diet: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal.

Phototherapy

This type of treatment can be used if other therapies do not work, or for some reason they cannot be used (for example, during pregnancy). Phototherapy is also used to reduce bilirubin in newborns. Under the action of special photo lamps, the indirect pigment becomes direct and leaves the human body without problems.

Phytotherapy

Bilirubin can also be lowered with the help of alternative therapy. Herbal decoctions and infusions from such plants as: corn stigmas, chamomile, motherwort, St. John's wort, birch leaves are considered very effective means. To prepare the infusion, you need 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of a mixture of these herbs into 200 ml of boiling water and let the infusion stand for at least 30 minutes. The medicine is taken 2 times a day before meals. It is always necessary to brew a fresh drink.

To control the level of bilirubin in the blood, it is necessary to regularly take appropriate tests, diagnose and treat various diseases that cause increased pigment formation in time. To maintain a normal level of bilirubin, you need to adhere to proper nutrition, give up bad habits. It is important to remember that an increased content of bilirubin is very dangerous for the human body.

Bilirubin is a natural yellow-green pigment in the blood. Its high concentrations are noted in bile, which determines its color. In the human body, the substance is formed during the breakdown of iron-containing proteins. It takes part in some biochemical processes, it is represented by two forms. One of them has toxic properties, so high concentrations of bilirubin can be dangerous to health.

Indicators of the substance are determined as part of a biochemical blood test. Deviations can indicate the development of serious diseases, so the amount of bilirubin must be monitored.

What is bilirubin

Protein substances with iron in the composition are represented by hemoglobin, cytochrome and myoglobin. Toxic bilirubin is formed during their breakdown. It accompanies the body's natural renewal processes. Mainly, the substance is released during the utilization of red blood cells - erythrocytes, which occurs in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Once in the blood, the compound is trapped by albumins (other proteins). They transport bilirubin to the liver, where it quickly penetrates into hepatocytes, binds to glucuronic acid and loses its toxic properties. This is a natural detoxification process. Further, the pigment migrates into bile and is excreted along with it into the intestine during digestion. Upon contact with other enzymes, it turns into urobilinogen - a brown pigment, and leaves the body along with excrement. A large amount of bilirubin in feces changes its color.

Partially, bilirubin is absorbed from the intestine into the systemic circulation, but in a bound form it can be excreted by the kidneys along with urine (read more in the article "Bilirubinuria") . The amount is insignificant, but it is enough to give the urine a characteristic yellowish color.

The highest concentrations of bilirubin are observed during hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). Absorption of the pigment from the gallbladder or ducts is possible. The substance is constantly formed in the body, but due to the normal course of metabolic processes, it is quickly neutralized and excreted without having time to harm the tissues. Problems begin when the rate of bilirubin intake exceeds that for its utilization. Then the level of the compound in the blood rises significantly, it can accumulate in various tissues.

Despite the toxicity, life without pigment is also impossible. It is able to bind free radicals, acting as an antioxidant, and is actively consumed during hematopoiesis (for the formation of new blood cells).

Varieties

During biochemistry, the overall level of pigment in the body is determined. However, it comes in two variations. The first is released directly during the breakdown of proteins. This is direct bilirubin, which has not yet had time to visit the liver and contact with its enzymes. Its characteristics:

• toxic;
• soluble in fats;
• easily penetrates through cell membranes.

Nervous tissues, cells of the kidneys, and organs of the gastrointestinal tract are especially susceptible to the direct form. After contact with enzymes, the substance binds. Such bilirubin is called indirect. It has already been neutralized and can be processed by the relevant authorities. Characteristics:

• low toxicity;
• dissolves in water;
• weakly penetrates into cells;
• excreted through the gallbladder, intestines, kidneys.

The second form is not dangerous to health. Irritant properties are possible only with excessive accumulation (at high concentrations).

Total bilirubin is the sum of direct and indirect. It is also indicated in the biochemical blood test.

Norms

To assess the state of health, the overall pigment index matters, but when looking for the causes of deviations, it is important to know which of the forms prevails. This gives an idea of ​​the localization of pathological changes in the body. Normal bilirubin values ​​vary for different sexes and ages. In adults (up to 60 years), the level of the substance practically does not change.

Table - Reference values ​​​​of the pigment content in the blood (µmol / l)

Normally, the amount of bound bilirubin should be three times higher than direct (75% and 25%). With some physiological changes, concentrations shift, but quickly return to normal. If the pigment indicators exceed the permissible values, they speak of hyperbilirubinemia.. Depending on the magnitude of the changes, various degrees of severity of the condition are indicated, which is important for assessing its danger to health and life.

Bilirubin elevated: what does it mean

Hyperbilirubinemia (in other words, jaundice) means a violation at one of the stages of pigment metabolism, when its formation is more significant than its utilization. It could be:

• rapid destruction of blood cells (hemolysis);
• breakdown of muscle proteins;
• deficiency of utilization enzymes or their insufficient activity;
• absorption through the walls of the biliary tract or bladder;
• slow excretion from the body.

The determination of the predominant type of bilirubin will help to quickly establish the causes.
With parenchymal or hepatic jaundice, the level of pigment in general increases. With suprahepatic, an unneutralized indirect form accumulates in the blood. With subhepatic or obstructive jaundice, the level of direct bilirubin increases, which is already processed by the liver.

Increased overall score

Pigment standards are quite wide. This is provoked by the possibility of changing indicators not only for pathological, but also for physiological reasons. Both fractions of bilirubin increase equally with:

Pigment indicators increase slightly due to products that create a load on the liver: fatty, smoked, sweets, semi-finished products, spices, onions, garlic. Total bilirubin increases with damage to liver tissues and a decrease in its detoxifying ability. This may be caused by:

• leptospirosis;
• family jaundice;
• tumors;
• mononucleosis;
• alcoholic disease.

As a rule, an excess of pigment is combined with abnormal liver tests (increased levels of AST and ALT).

Increased direct bilirubin

The unbound form accumulates in the body with increased breakdown of blood cells (destruction in the spleen, liver, bone marrow), with hemolysis in newborns. Hereditary anemia is accompanied by an increase in blood levels of bilirubin and iron. Poisoning with poisons (mushrooms, salts of heavy metals) can provoke cell breakdown.

Blood proteins are intensively cleaved during Rh-conflict pregnancy, autoimmune pathologies, typhoid fever, malaria. A constant increase is noted in Gilbert's syndrome. Some medications can also cause abnormalities with long-term use. These can be funds from the group:

• hormones;
• painkillers;
• antitumor.

Increased indirect fraction

The associated pigment accumulates in the body after contact with liver enzymes. This means that it enters the bloodstream from the bile ducts, bladder or intestines. This is possible with:

• inflammation of the biliary tract (cholecystitis, cholangitis);
• impaired patency of the biliary tract (obstruction with stones, stenosis, developmental anomalies, kinks, accumulation of helminths);
• oncological diseases;

Bilirubin in women during pregnancy

The norms for women during the gestation period are slightly higher and wider than for ordinary women. They range from 5.0 to 21.2 µmol/L. A slight increase is possible due to the increased load on the internal organs and hormonal changes. If women did not have health problems before conception, this should not be alarming. Significant deviations can be a sign of problems in the development of pregnancy:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• toxicosis in the early stages;
• cholelithiasis;
• intrahepatic cholestasis;
• eclampsia or preeclampsia;
• fatty degeneration of the liver.

In men

In men, hyperbilirubinemia is more common than in women. The reason for this is the high prevalence of liver pathologies:

• alcoholic disease;
• cirrhosis;
• viral hepatitis.

In men, Gilbert's syndrome occurs three times more often, when bilirubin levels increase to 80–100 µmol/l with a predominance of the indirect fraction.

In children

Immediately after birth, bilirubin in children almost corresponds to the adult norm. Approximately by the 4th day, it sharply increases by 8–10 times. This is due to adaptive reactions in the child's body, namely, the destruction of fetal hemoglobin. At the same time, physiological neonatal jaundice develops, which resolves on its own or with the help of phototherapy for 2 weeks. By the age of one month, the indicators are approaching the norm. Problems with the disposal of excess bilirubin are possible in:

• weak children;
• premature;
• with low or high body weight;
• born with pathologies;
• with a Rh conflict with the mother's body;
• crumbs with significant hematomas and head injuries.

The risk of hyperbilirubinemia is high for diabetic children, as well as for babies with infectious lesions of the urinary tract. In adolescents, deviations can be caused by dietary habits and hormonal fluctuations.

How does hyperbilirubinemia manifest?

The main sign of pigment accumulation in the body is a change in the color of the skin, mucous membranes, and eye sclera. This is due to the fact that in the listed tissues the substance accumulates in the highest concentrations, staining them. It is noticed that the shade of jaundice helps to determine which fraction is increased:

• yellow or orange causes total bilirubin;
• yellow-green color with a grayish tinge is provoked by a direct form;
• bright yellow with blue accompanies the accumulation of indirect pigment.

It is difficult to objectively assess skin color. In addition, the intensity of jaundice does not always correspond to the degree of deviation of bilirubin values.. Even if the shade is clearly visible, this does not preclude the need for laboratory analysis.

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells, it is constantly formed in the body. Initially, an indirect type of bilirubin is formed in the blood and tissues, a toxic substance that does not dissolve in water, respectively, is not excreted from the body. Normally, indirect bilirubin, together with the blood, enters the liver, where its direct form is formed. The resulting substance is soluble in water, it is easily excreted from the body along with urine and feces. By the way, it is bilirubin that gives stools a characteristic brown color.

When conducting a blood test, total bilirubin is determined, the norm of which is 3.4-17.1 μmol / l, direct and indirect bilirubin, the normal values ​​​​for which are up to 4.6 and 15.4 μmol / l, respectively, for adults and children.

Symptoms of the disease

With a strong increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood, a characteristic yellowish tint of the skin, the sclera of the eyes first appears, and the urine acquires a dark tint. This is because at elevated concentrations, bilirubin seeps into the tissues of the body, staining them in a yellowish-gray color.

The accumulation of bilirubin can also be accompanied by discomfort in the left hypochondrium after exercise, fatigue, weakness, high fever. If these symptoms occur, you need to urgently go to the hospital, do an analysis for the level of bilirubin. If the rate of bilirubin in the blood is increased, the next step is to find out the cause and prescribe treatment.

In newborns, blood is taken from the heel, in adults - from a vein. The analysis is best done in the morning, on an empty stomach. Before donating blood, you should not drink for 4 hours, in which case you can get the most objective results.

Causes of increased bilirubin

Diseases of the blood and liver that cause an increase in the concentration of bilirubin in the blood can be varied:

The level of bilirubin in newborns

Unlike adults, elevated bilirubin in newborns is a common occurrence. This is due to the destruction of fetal hemoglobin, which is somewhat different in structure from hemoglobin, which is formed after birth. Thus, fruit hemoglobin is actively destroyed, increasing the level of bilirubin. But even severe physiological jaundice in most cases goes away by itself. In some cases, phototherapy is prescribed.

If the baby was born prematurely, one of the reasons for the high level of bilirubin may be an underdeveloped liver. Jaundice and elevated levels of bilirubin are almost inevitable retribution for being born too early.

An increased level of bilirubin in newborns, the norm of which on the 3rd-4th day after birth is 256 µmol/l for full-term babies, 171 µmol/l for premature babies, requires close medical supervision. It may indicate the same disorders that can be suspected with elevated bilirubin levels in adults. In the case of newborns, treatment should begin even faster, as the risk of developing a life-threatening condition and complications is very high.

In addition to the usual diseases that increase bilirubin levels, newborns can develop hemolytic disease of the newborn. It is caused by the incompatibility of the child and mother for Rh and anti-genes. In this case, the rate of destruction of erythrocytes greatly increases, and, accordingly, the level of bilirubin increases.

How to lower the level of bilirubin in the blood

This can be done only by curing the cause of its increase. Each of the methods has its own indications, so only a specialist should determine the optimal one. Here are the main methods to reduce bilirubin levels:

The level of bilirubin depends on how well all links in the chain of binding and excretion of bilirubin from the body work. This is a normal process of cleansing and getting rid of decay products, one of the elements of the process of tissue renewal constantly taking place in our body. If a failure occurs at any stage, a timely analysis and an increase in the level of bilirubin detected can help to make a diagnosis in time and start treatment. Therefore, do not ignore the symptoms of excessive bilirubin concentration and consult a doctor immediately.

Bilirubin is one of the most important components of blood, its bile pigment. If the content norm is exceeded, this is a signal of pathological changes occurring in the human body and diseases that have arisen. If bilirubin is elevated, the reasons may be different, there are many of them. The article is devoted to the reasons for the increase in the substance in the blood, the signs of an increased value, in what range the high rate is calculated in adults, and what measures should be taken to normalize the condition.

Bilirubin: origin, features, meaning

The red-brown pigment of hemoglobin catabolism is found in the human body in bile and blood. Refers to hemoglobinogenic pigments. The liver is responsible for the normal indicators of the substance.

The process of formation of bilirubin is as follows: hemoglobin contained in red blood cells supplies oxygen to tissues. Old or damaged red blood cells can be destroyed in the bone marrow, spleen or liver (during the day - about 1% of red blood cells).

Pure bilirubin is a crystalline substance, classified into two types - direct and indirect. The place of direct formation is the liver, soluble, less toxic, excreted from the body with bile. Indirect bilirubin is toxic, quickly penetrates into cells, quickly destroying their normal functioning. The following pigment indicators are considered normal in adults until they reach old age (about 60 years):

• General - in values ​​from 5 to 20.5 units per 1 liter of blood mass;
• Direct - from 0 (1.7) to 5.1 units;
• Indirect - no higher than 16.5 units.

The content of the substance in men and women is almost the same.

With age, the human body, experiencing various overloads and the negative impact of external and internal factors, can begin to produce this pigment in an increased amount. Bilirubin increases both in diseases and from short-term exposure to various factors.

Why did the reasons for the increase in bilirubin appear - this question can be answered only after the examination.

Elevated bilirubin in the blood is present in a person in three degrees of severity:

• Light (up to 85 units);
• Medium (up to 170 units);
• Heavy (170 units and above).

What signs and symptoms would indicate an increased value

The central role in the metabolic processes of the substance is assigned to the liver, the most characteristic manifestation of high bilirubin is jaundice and all the accompanying features: pronounced yellowing of the skin (yellowing of the whites of the eyes is especially pronounced), nausea, as well as dizziness attacks and headache. However, it is important to know that an increase in bilirubin in the blood with concomitant yellowing of the skin may not be caused by its high content, but by eating large amounts of carotene-containing foods and hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function). In this case, the sclera of the eyes will not be subject to yellowing.

What causes an increase in bilirubin levels

A normal indicator of bilirubin content can increase for three reasons, these are:

1. A problem with the processing of a substance and its subsequent withdrawal (observed in liver diseases; as a result of successive processes, an unprocessed substance enters the body).
2. Accelerated process of breakdown of red blood cells (especially inherent in anemia).
3. Abnormal changes in the outflow of bile.

Increase in total bilirubin

Total bilirubin in adults can be exceeded for a variety of reasons:

This type of bilirubin may increase due to a violation of the outflow of bile.

The normal process is disturbed by the formation of stones in the biliary tract, pancreatitis, oncological diseases of the gallbladder or pancreas, aneurysm of the liver artery - here bilirubin is elevated for reasons characteristic of the listed disease states.

Compression of the ducts of the bile ducts due to the presence of a tumor process in the gallbladder, enlargement of the lymph nodes, as well as inflammatory processes in the excretory tract, which soon leads to a narrowing of the lumen and the formation of sclerosis of the biliary tract - the causes of increased bilirubin.

For a high rate in oncology of the gallbladder or pancreas, as well as the presence of stones in the gallbladder, signs of elevated bilirubin are characteristic:

• Bright icteric coloration of the skin;
• Severe skin itching with numerous scratching;
• Violation of the natural color of the discharge (feces become white, urine - dark);
• Various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence);
• Nausea, severe belching, decreased appetite.

This pathology can lead to several types of hepatitis (viral, chronic, autoimmune, toxic, bacterial, drug), as well as oncological diseases of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

In all these cases, the bile stream does not enter the stomach, but is concentrated in the blood.

As evidenced by the high rate of indirect view

The main explanation for indirect high bilirubin is the destruction of red blood cells in excess amounts. Similar pathology have:

• Hemolytic anemia of several types
• Toxic (formed when poisoned by poisons, mushrooms, heavy metals);
• Drug (occurs as a result of taking aspirin, penicillin, insulin, chloramphenicol);
• Diseases that have an infectious basis;
• Named diseases - Lucy-Driscoll syndromes (a rare case of inheritance of non-hemalitic jaundice), Gilbert (lack of liver enzymes, inherited) and Crigler-Najjar (malignant liver disease, which has a hereditary basis).

Of the listed names, Gilbert's syndrome is diagnosed more often than others, which has a hereditary character, in which hyperbilirubinemia proceeds benignly, from which the prognosis is favorable.

The syndrome is named after a French doctor who identified a gene defect in the second chromosome that causes the disease.

As a rule, a sick person does not need special treatment.

How and what is treated

To make a decision on the methods of treatment, it is necessary to find out the reasons for the high value of bilirubin and coordinate the technique with a specialist, since only a doctor can identify and assess the degree of the pathology that has arisen.

Assigned tests to determine viral hepatitis, liver samples, ultrasound of the liver, as well as other necessary studies.

The main way to reduce the high rate of the substance is infusion therapy. The method is as follows: various concentrated solutions of a certain volume are introduced into the bloodstream to correct or prevent the observed losses of the body. This therapy is used in the most "severe" cases.

The method of phototherapy has proven itself well, when the patient is irradiated with special lamps. From ultraviolet rays, indirect toxic bilirubin is first destroyed, then converted to a direct form, and finally leaves the body.

Newborns can be especially successfully treated by this method if they are diagnosed with an increased content of the substance and there is a need to quickly reduce it.

If it is established that bilirubin in the blood is elevated due to a malfunction in the outflow of bile, drug treatment with drugs that can bring the substance back to normal is indicated.

Quite often, the amount of a substance can be reduced by adjusting the diet, while it is necessary to categorically exclude the consumption of foods that burden the liver, especially carbonated drinks, as well as spicy and fried foods.

Favorably affect the use of lean meat, soups on dairy or vegetable broth, cottage cheese and milk. From fruits, preference should be given to bananas; in drinks, the consumption of infusions and herbal teas will be the best choice. Such a correct, well-balanced treatment menu will help bilirubin stop rising.

When hepatitis is detected, high bilirubin is treated with liver-protecting drugs.

A high level of bilirubin in the blood is an alarming factor.

You must be aware that diagnosed elevated bilirubin for the reasons mentioned above, like a number of concomitant diseases, needs proper treatment in a medical institution. In addition, the treatment contributes to the removal of harmful products from the body, significantly renewing the tissues of the body. Incorrect or untimely treatment can lead to serious complications, any increasing factor must be noticed and eliminated.

In contact with

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells. It belongs to the hemoglobinogenic pigments. Many people know about the existence of this pigment in the human body, but not everyone knows what elevated bilirubin in the blood means and whether it is dangerous.

Most of this pigment is formed due to the physiological breakdown of old red blood cells that occurs in the human liver and spleen.

In one day, more than 1% of red blood cells are destroyed in the human body. It is the red bodies that contain hemoglobin, which, when they decay, is converted into bilirubin. Approximately 300 milligrams of this pigment is formed per day.

An elevated level of this component means partial liver damage. If bilirubin is elevated, then the natural outflow of bile is disturbed in the body, which leads to jaundice.

Note! The type of pigment variety means its danger to human life. The most dangerous is indirect bilirubin.

Table: varieties of pigment.

Norm of bilirubin

The level of bilirubin is determined by conducting a biochemical blood test. But many people who are not related to medicine do not know what biochemistry is talking about.

According to the analysis indicators, one can judge whether there are disturbances in the metabolic and metabolic processes in the human body. But in order to understand the limits of dangerous norms, it is worth knowing the permissible level of this pigment in plasma.

The norm of bilirubin in the blood in women and men:

1. The rate of unbound pigment in an adult should not rise above 16.2 micromoles per liter of plasma.
2. The acceptable level of conjugated bilirubin ranges from 0 to 5.1 micromoles per liter of plasma.
3. The general norm varies from 0.5 to 20.5 micromoles per liter of plasma.

Important! A high level of this component is very dangerous for humans. When exceeding 34 micromoles per liter of plasma, jaundice begins to develop in a person. An increased level of this pigment in medical terminology is called hyperbilirubinemia.

In newborn babies in the first five days of their life, increased bilirubin is observed. This is a completely normal physiological phenomenon.

The norm for a child is 4.6 micromoles per liter.

Nomes for newborn babies:

• For premature babies - 171 micromoles per liter.
• For those born at term - 256 micromoles per liter.

Symptoms

You need to know the symptoms of elevated plasma levels of this component. If you notice this process in time, then the treatment of the disease or the decrease in the level of bilirubin will pass faster.

Symptoms:

1. Sclera staining.
2. Staining of the oral mucosa.
3. Yellowing of the face, palm, eyes.

An increase in the level of conjugated bilirubin is possible with diseases such as:

• Viral hepatitis type A, B, C.
• bacterial hepatitis.
• Toxic intoxication.
• drug intoxication.
• Jaundice during pregnancy.
• The presence of tumors and formations in the liver.
• Biliary cirrhosis.

Unbound bilirubin can increase with ailments such as:

1. hemolytic anemia.
2. Malaria.
3. Sepsis.

Symptoms of jaundice:

• The body temperature rises.
• It is found in the feces and urine of a large amount of sterco - and urobilin.
• There is a rapid heartbeat.
• There is increased fatigue.
• The spleen is enlarged. An increase in this organ is indicated by pain under the left rib.
• There is pallor of the skin.
• The skin and mucous membranes turn yellowish-lemon.

Signs of subhepatic jaundice:

1. Itching appears on the skin.
2. Light color stool.
3. There is pain under the right rib.
4. The work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted.
5. The skin is painted in a yellowish tint.

Symptoms of hepatitis of different types:

• The body temperature rises.
• Weakness appears.
• There is pain in the muscles and joints.
• Pain under right rib.
• The color of feces and urine changes.

Causes of high bilirubin in the blood

The reasons for the increase in the level of fraction in the blood can be different.

Note! To clarify the cause of the increase in the component in the plasma, it is worth taking biochemistry and consulting with a medical professional.

Table: causes of increased plasma pigment levels.

How to downgrade?

Only a doctor can reliably answer the question of how to lower bilirubin in the blood. Medical workers urge patients with hyperbilirubinemia not to self-medicate, because it is very dangerous for health and life.

It should be understood that a high level of bilirubin is not a disease, but a sign of an illness. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the cause, due to which the level of this indicator in the blood will drop.

Treatment does not always involve medication.

If a person has increased bilirubin not due to illness, then you can lower the level with the help of:

1. Infusion therapy. Therapy involves the infusion of glucose intravenously. In addition to glucose, the patient is prescribed intravenous detoxification drugs aimed at cleansing the body of decay components.
2. Phototherapy. This procedure is the irradiation of a sick person with lamps that provoke the transformation of an unbound pigment into a bound one.
3. Medical preparations aimed at normalizing the excretion of bile.
4. diets. Proper nutrition and adherence to a strict diet prescribed by a doctor reduces the load on the liver.

   In addition to the diet, medications are prescribed to cleanse the body and drugs that lower plasma bilirubin levels. The diet prohibits the use of fried, salty, peppery, spicy and pickled.

Important! With hepatitis, complex treatment is prescribed, the basis of which are drugs aimed at protecting the liver.

Treatment with folk remedies

To lower bilirubin, you can use folk remedies that are easy to use at home.

Traditional medicine:

• Mint and Chamomile Infusion. To prepare the infusion, you will need dried herb flowers. They are combined in equal proportions, and poured with boiling water. For 4 tablespoons of the mixture, 400 milliliters of water are taken.

  The drink is consumed 100 milliliters twice a day: in the morning and before bedtime.

• Infusion based on motherwort and St. John's wort. For cooking, herbs are taken in the same amount. For 50 grams of the mixture you will need 500 milliliters of hot water. The drink is infused for 1 hour. It is recommended to use it twice a day for 100 milliliters.
• beetroot juice. Beet pomace is consumed before each meal.
• Milk Thistle Infusion. Pour 50 grams of milk thistle seeds with a liter of boiling water and boil for 30 minutes over low heat. The infusion is taken one teaspoon six times a day.

Useful video