When liver cells are damaged or are inflamed, they produce more enzymes than normal. The elevation is usually detected during routine blood tests.
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Elevation is mostly found in two enzymes, they are:
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Alanine Transaminase or ALT
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Aspartate Transaminase or AST
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Most of the time, these liver enzymes are only elevated for a short time
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Elevate results also do not always indicate a chronic cause
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To determine the exact cause of the anomaly, doctors will look at any other signs and symptoms exhibited by a patient.
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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
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Medication
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There are certain drugs, especially those that work to control blood cholesterol levels, that can increase or elevate liver enzyme levels
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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.
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Alcohol Intake
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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
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Alcohol intake can also lead to fatty liver disease, which damages the cells the liver causing them to congested with fat
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Hepatitis (A, B, or C)
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This is the inflammation of the liver
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It causes stress and damage, which like alcohol intake will cause the liver to produce more enzymes
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Alcoholic hepatitis may also be a cause for the elevation
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Hepatitis may also be autoimmune in nature
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Fatty Liver Disease (Non-Alcoholic)
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Obesity and other diseases can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
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This is a reversible condition
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Other possible causes include:
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Cirrhosis
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Liver Cancer
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Heart Attack
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Mononucleosis
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Pancreatitis
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Cholelithiasis
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Muscular Dystrophy
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Pancreatitis
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Wilson’s Disease
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Celiac Disease
Reduce Elevated Liver Enzymes
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The main way to reduce elevated liver enzymes is to address the underlying cause of the condition
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Treatment methods that may be used to lower enzyme levels include:
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Antibacterial agents
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Avoidance of irritants (e.
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Some lifestyle changes that can lower liver enzymes include:
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Weight loss
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Avoid High Fat Foods
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Stop Alcohol Intake
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Once the cause of elevation is addressed, liver enzyme levels are likely to return to normal.