Reasons for High Bilirubin Level In Blood

The liver produces bilirubin during the process of breaking down and recycling the red blood cells. This yellow byproduct, Bilirubin is then converted into bile by the liver and is released through the digestive system. In a normal body, the levels of bilirubin are naturally low. If these levels increase, it indicates a problem in the functioning of the liver or the digestive system. Causes of high bilirubin include any disease or medical condition that affects the working of the liver or that damages liver cells. These could include:

Tumors in the liver, bile ducts, or gall bladder
Cirrhosis or severe damage of the liver
Acute hepatitis
Allergic reaction to the blood received during a transfusion
Liver failure
Obstruction of the bile duct
Chronic liver disease
Pancreatic cancer
Gallstones in the bile duct
Hemolysis – the destruction of red blood cells
Inherited disorders of bilirubin metabolism such as Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Gilbert's syndrome, Crigler Najjar syndrome, and Rotor's syndrome
Certain medications such as some antibiotics and birth control pills can elevate bilirubin levels

Keep in mind that it is normal to have some bilirubin in the blood. Normal bilirubin levels range from 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL and can vary from lab to lab. It is best to talk to your doctor about what your reading means in reference to your overall health and medical condition.

If you suffer from high levels of bilirubin, you may notice symptoms such as yellow colored eyes and skin, and dark colored urine. Large amounts of bilirubin can lead to jaundice where the increased levels in the body affect the blood, mucus membranes and skin. Apart from medication, some natural ways to reduce bilirubin levels are:

Drink more fresh fruit and vegetable juices as vitamins B and C help eliminate bilirubin from the body.
The juice of Echinacea or Goldenseal can be taken twice a day to decrease bilirubin levels naturally.
Honey is a natural stimulant and improves the production and elimination of bile. Drink a glass of water mixed with 1-teaspoon honey once a day for the best results.
Sugarcane juice is a known home remedy to treat high bilirubin levels and jaundice.
Foods such as coconut water, barley water, radish and tomatoes can help treat jaundice and decrease bilirubin levels.

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003479.htm

answered by A S

There are several things that cause elevated bilirubin, such as liver disease, gallbladder duct obstruction or some types of amenia (hemolytic). You should have your doctor check a liver function panel.

answered by Dr T V N

There are two components which comprise the total bilirubin --direct and indirect bilirubin. To determine the cause of the elevation it is necessary to determine the values for these two components.

answered by Dr K B N

Reasons for High Bilirubin Level In Blood: my Bilirubin total is 1.4 (0.4 more than normal range) from 8 month, what is reason behind this. Can you tell me? How can it come to normal range, what is diagnosis.