What does it mean when your liver test is abnormal?
Your liver function tests can be abnormal because: Your liver is inflamed (for example, by infection, toxic substances like alcohol and some medicines, or by an immune condition). Your liver cells have been damaged (for example, by toxic substances, such as alcohol, paracetamol, poisons).
What liver problems show up in blood tests?
Elevated levels of bilirubin (jaundice) might indicate liver damage or disease or certain types of anemia. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). GGT is an enzyme in the blood. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate liver or bile duct damage.
What can cause abnormal liver function results?
More common causes of elevated liver enzymes include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
- Certain prescription medications, including statin drugs used to control cholesterol.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Heart failure.
- Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Can abnormal liver function be reversed?
Your liver is an incredible organ. If you’re diagnosed when some scar tissue has already formed, your liver can repair and even regenerate itself. Because of this, damage from liver disease can often be reversed with a well-managed treatment plan.
What does a bad liver feel like?
Most people feel it as a dull, throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen. Liver pain can also feel like a stabbing sensation that takes your breath away. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling, and occasionally people feel radiating liver pain in their back or in their right shoulder blade.
Should you worry about abnormal blood results?
So, one who is ordered to undergo some blood tests should not panic if the results come out abnormal. They just should be aware of what the abnormal blood test results mean to their health. What Does Abnormal Blood Test Results Mean?
What are the symptoms of an abnormal liver?
Signs and symptoms of liver disease include: Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice) Abdominal pain and swelling. Swelling in the legs and ankles. Itchy skin. Dark urine color. Pale stool color, or bloody or tar-colored stool.
What causes abnormal liver tests?
Mild to moderate elevations of the liver enzymes are common.
What causes elevated ALT and AST?
The most common diseases causing abnormally elevated ALT and AST are acute viral hepatitis, such as hemochromatosis (a genetic condition causing long standing liver damage due to iron build up in the liver), and diminished blood flow to the liver (from shock or heart failure).