Knowing Bilirubin and the Causes of Bilirubin Amount Increases

Knowing Bilirubin and the Causes of Bilirubin Amount Increases

Bilirubin is a brownish-yellow pigment found in bile, blood and stools of all people.Excessive amounts of bilirubin in the body can be a sign that you have this disease. Get to know various dangerous diseases that are characterized by high bilirubin levels.

Bilirubin is produced in the body when the hemoglobin protein in old red blood cells is broken down. In the body, bilirubin will move through the liver to eventually be removed from the body.

Knowing Bilirubin and the Causes of Bilirubin Amount Increases

But sometimes the liver cannot process bilirubin in the body. This can occur because the amount of bilirubin is produced too much, the presence of blockages, or inflammation of the liver. If the amount of bilirubin in the body becomes too much, the skin and the white part of our eyes will begin to look yellow. This condition is called jaundice.

In adults, the normal direct bilirubin level in the blood usually ranges from 0-0.3 mg / dL or 0-0.4 mg / dL, with the amount of total bilirubin (conjugation + not conjugated) 0.3-1.0 mg / dL or 0.3-1.9 mg / dL. Whereas in newborns, it is said to be normal if the amount of bilirubin in the body is higher, which is below 5.2 mg / dL in the first 24 hours of birth.

High levels of bilirubin in the blood can also be a symptom of certain diseases. Here are some diseases or conditions that can cause high blood bilirubin levels:

Diseases that cause liver damage such as hepatitis (an infection that causes the liver to swell and become inflamed), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), mononucleosis (viral illness), and other liver diseases.

Diseases that cause blockage of the bile ducts, such as gallstones, pancreatic cancer, bile cancer, and biliary strictures (the bile duct narrows abnormally).

Some types of infections, such as infection of the gallbladder or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder which usually occurs when gallstones block fluid in the gallbladder).

Some hereditary diseases, such as Gilbert's syndrome, are conditions that affect the function of the liver to process bilirubin.

Red blood cells are damaged more quickly, for example in sickle cell anemia, erythroblastosis fetalis, and hemolytic anemia. In addition, the high amount of bilirubin can also be due to an allergic reaction to transfusion, which is when the body experiences an allergy to the blood received during transfusion. In a transfusion reaction, transfusion red blood cells are destroyed by the body's own immune system.

Taking drugs that can increase bilirubin levels, for example some antibiotics, several types of birth control pills, diazepam, flurazepam, indomethacin, and phenytoin.

Not only in adults, the amount of bilirubin that is too high or too much in newborns is also dangerous. This can cause brain damage (kern jaundice) and other serious problems. Therefore, babies who experience jaundice may need special treatment to reduce their bilirubin levels.

Well, if your skin or eyes suddenly turn yellow, immediately consult a doctor or the nearest hospital to get a diagnosis and action that is fast and precise.

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