What is the cause of high indirect bilirubin?

High indirect bilirubin may mean that there is something wrong with the way the body processes red blood cells. Our bodies renew and replace red blood cells every day, and these old red blood cells produce a substance called bilirubin when they are broken down by the body. Indirect bilirubin is a form of bilirubin that is normally converted into direct bilirubin in the liver and then excreted from the body in bile. If indirect bilirubin levels are elevated, it may mean that something is wrong somewhere in this process.

When it comes to elevated indirect bilirubin, one of the most common causes is hemolytic anemia. In this case, red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, resulting in excessive bilirubin production that exceeds the liver's ability to process. For example, when we imagine a factory suddenly receiving orders that far exceed its production capacity, there will be a backlog on the production line. Similarly, the liver will also cause elevated indirect bilirubin because it cannot process it.

Another possibility is a problem with the liver itself, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. These diseases may affect the liver's ability to process bilirubin. Just as a machine cannot run efficiently if its parts are worn out, the liver's ability to process bilirubin decreases when its function is impaired. Jaundice in newborns is also a common cause of elevated indirect bilirubin because their livers are not fully developed and are less able to process bilirubin.

Sometimes, elevated indirect bilirubin may not be accompanied by obvious symptoms, but in some cases, symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, fatigue, and abdominal pain may occur. If you find yourself having these symptoms, or if elevated indirect bilirubin is found during a physical examination, it is very important to consult a doctor in time. Doctors usually use a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to find out the specific cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

High indirect bilirubin is not necessarily an independent problem, but often a signal of other health problems. Maintaining good living habits, regular physical examinations, and timely detection and treatment of potential health problems are the keys to maintaining health. I hope this article can provide you with some help and inspiration!