High bilirubin levels can occur in people of all ages. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that is found in the blood. When the red cells break down in the blood, bilirubin is created. Bilirubin levels are considered normal when they are between 0.3 and 1.2 milligrams per deciliter anything higher is considered to be elevated. While some people will experience elevated bilirubin levels in life, if it’s chronic there may be an underlying cause and it can be a sign that something more severe is going on in the body.
It can be hard to know if you have high bilirubin levels and in many cases, the diagnosis is only made by accident or when a customer is being tested for another disorder. There are many things that can cause high bilirubin levels and understanding the cause can help doctors come up with the right treatment plan. Here are 14 common causes of high bilirubin.
Gallstones are a common problem for many people and in most cases, they are not serious. They can occur when there is a buildup of cholesterol in the gallbladder that hardens. It can form small stones that can cause severe pain and discomfort. These stones can vary in size and the larger the size, the more severe the pain. Gallstones are likely to occur when there is already a buildup of bilirubin in the body.
If the gallstones are too large, it can prevent the bilirubin from draining properly and cause an increase in the body. Some gallstone can breakdown on their own and do not require any treatment. Others require surgery. Once the bilirubin is able to drain properly again, the levels may go down. Some people require medication that helps prevent the formation of gallstones so bilirubin levels stay at safe levels. Doctors can choose the right course of treatment based on the cause.