High total bilirubin levels usually indicate a problem with your liver or gallbladder. While some causes aren't serious, monitoring and treatment are essential. The main symptom is jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), prompting immediate medical attention.
Potential Causes and Consequences of High Bilirubin
High bilirubin can stem from several issues, including:
- Liver Problems: Your liver isn't effectively clearing bilirubin from your blood. This can be due to liver damage or disease (as noted by Mayo Clinic and University of Rochester Medical Center). Inflammation of the bile duct, which carries bile to the small intestine, can also lead to elevated bilirubin.
- Gallbladder Issues: Problems with the gallbladder's function in bilirubin processing contribute to high levels.
- Hemolytic Anemia: Your body destroys red blood cells too quickly, leading to excessive bilirubin production (as cited by MedlinePlus and University of Rochester Medical Center).
- Other Conditions: Certain other conditions can also cause elevated bilirubin, highlighting the need for a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Symptoms of High Bilirubin
Besides jaundice, very high bilirubin can cause intense itching (pruritus), as noted by Cleveland Clinic. The severity of symptoms depends on the underlying cause and the level of bilirubin in the blood. Babies can experience neonatal jaundice, where the liver is immature and unable to process bilirubin efficiently (as noted by Medical News Today and Cedars-Sinai).
Treatment
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of the elevated bilirubin. Your doctor will perform tests to determine the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery.
