Causes and Treatment for Reduce Elevated Liver Enzymes

When liver cells are damaged or are inflamed, they produce more enzymes than normal. The elevation is usually detected during routine blood tests.

• Elevation is mostly found in two enzymes, they are:

  • Alanine Transaminase or ALT

  • Aspartate Transaminase or AST

• Most of the time, these liver enzymes are only elevated for a short time

• Elevate results also do not always indicate a chronic cause

• To determine the exact cause of the anomaly, doctors will look at any other signs and symptoms exhibited by a patient.

• Medical history taking is also necessary, especially with patients who have a history of alcohol abuse or prolonged over the counter pain medication use.

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

Here are some common causes that can lead to elevated liver enzymes

• Medication

  • There are certain drugs, especially those that work to control blood cholesterol levels, that can increase or elevate liver enzyme levels

  • Some over the counter drugs, like those commonly used for pain and fever control can also cause an elevation because these drugs are metabolized in the liver.

• Alcohol Intake

  • Alcohol is metabolized in the liver and prolonger or excessive use can lead to stress and damage to the liver leading an increase in enzyme production

  • Alcohol intake can also lead to fatty liver disease, which damages the cells the liver causing them to congested with fat

• Hepatitis (A, B, or C)

  • This is the inflammation of the liver

  • It causes stress and damage, which like alcohol intake will cause the liver to produce more enzymes

  • Alcoholic hepatitis may also be a cause for the elevation

  • Hepatitis may also be autoimmune in nature

• Fatty Liver Disease (Non-Alcoholic)

  • Obesity and other diseases can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

  • This is a reversible condition

Other possible causes include:

• Cirrhosis

• Liver Cancer

• Heart Attack

• Mononucleosis

• Pancreatitis

• Cholelithiasis

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Pancreatitis

• Wilson’s Disease

• Celiac Disease

Reduce Elevated Liver Enzymes

• The main way to reduce elevated liver enzymes is to address the underlying cause of the condition

• Treatment methods that may be used to lower enzyme levels include:

  • Antibacterial agents

  • Avoidance of irritants (e.

    g. gluten in people who have Celiac Disease)

• Some lifestyle changes that can lower liver enzymes include:

  • Weight loss

  • Avoid High Fat Foods

  • Stop Alcohol Intake

Once the cause of elevation is addressed, liver enzyme levels are likely to return to normal.