What does high bilirubin affect?

High bilirubin levels can have a variety of effects on the body. Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced when red blood cells break down and is primarily metabolized by the liver. If bilirubin levels are too high, it usually means something is wrong with the body, such as liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.

When bilirubin levels are elevated, the most obvious manifestation is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is what we often call jaundice. Jaundice not only affects appearance, but may also indicate health problems with the liver or bile duct. For example, diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallstones may cause elevated bilirubin. In addition to changes in appearance, high bilirubin may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, all of which require attention.

There are many reasons for high bilirubin, and understanding these reasons can help us prescribe the right treatment. Common causes include rapid destruction of red blood cells, the liver's inability to effectively process bilirubin, and bile duct obstruction. For example, hemolytic anemia can cause rapid destruction of red blood cells, thereby increasing the production of bilirubin. Hepatitis or cirrhosis can affect the liver's metabolic function, resulting in bilirubin not being excreted normally. Bile duct obstruction, such as gallstones or tumors, can also hinder the excretion of bilirubin.

When dealing with high bilirubin, the key is to find out the cause and treat it in a targeted way. For example, if high bilirubin is caused by hemolytic anemia, the symptoms can be improved by treating the anemia. If it is caused by liver disease, medication or other treatments are needed to improve liver function. For bile duct obstruction, surgery or other interventional treatments may be needed to clear the bile duct.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent and manage elevated bilirubin. A balanced diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are all important measures to protect liver health. Regular physical examinations are also an effective way to detect problems in a timely manner. Through scientific management and treatment, most elevated bilirubin problems can be effectively controlled. I hope everyone can pay attention to their own health, seek medical treatment in a timely manner, and ensure that all indicators of the body are within the normal range.