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What Does My Liver Function Test Report Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 30 May 2017
Question: My liver size is 14.3cm. Is it enlarged? Having high GGT is dangerous than having high ALT or ALP? I m suffering from indigestion and constipation.. Does that mean that pills for depression and diabetes I m taking will not take effect or will take longer to rake effect? Male. 34.

Hi I get constipated randomly and frequently. I m sick of it. Is it because my GGT, ALT, ALP is high? I see no other reason and tried everything else. All other tests are fine. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
liver size is normal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello There,
Thank you for asking your query on HealthcareMagic.

As per your query answers are-
Normal liver size is about 13-16 cms.
Your liver size is 14.3 cm which is perfectly normal.

GGT (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase) is often elevated in those who use alcohol or other liver-toxic substances to excess. The normal range of GGT is 0-45 U/L. Elevation of at least three times the normal value should be there for it to be significant.
Mild to moderate elevation has no particular significance.

Indigestion and constipation has nothing to do with bioavailability of drugs because drugs are not digested rather they are absobed into blood.

Constipation has nothing to do with mild elevation of liver enzymes.
Treatment of constipation is divided into two parts-

For immediate relief in constipation -


1) Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution-Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) is used to empty the colon.The primary mode of action is thought to be through the osmotic effect of polyethylene glycol which causes water to be retained in the colon and produces a watery stool.you can use PEG-ES to empty your colon.It can be used by you on as and when required basis.

2)Manual extraction- If the stools are impacted and are not passed even after taking PEG-ES solution then it has to be removed manually by using a finger for extracting stools.For that you have to visit the nearest emergency room.Once the bowel is cleared gas will be settled.

Long term relief-
Taker 15-30 ml of lactulose solution daily before going to bed.
A drastic change in life style is required to cure constipation. Not exercising enough, not drinking enough water and delaying a bowel movement can worsen constipation symptoms.The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined food such as whole grain cereals, XXXXXXX honey and lentils; green leafy vegetables, like spinach, beans, lettuce, celery, asparagus, carrot. Adding some fat to meals or increasing the size of a meal such as breakfast can help create the urge to defecate. Individuals suffering from constipation should increase the amount of plant foods they consume to get more fiber in their diet. Constipation can be treated by changing diets.
Secondly human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by 1013-14 bacteria of 400 different species and subspecies.They are responsible for proper digestion of food.Depletion of this flora due to surgery can lead to severe constipation and digestive problems.
Intestinal flora are types of microorganisms known as probiotics that live normally as part of the intestinal tract. These organisms have several functions that help the body.The most plentiful and important bacteria in the small intestine is the Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus helps ferment indigestible carbohydrates. It also helps to stimulate the digestive process and aid the absorption of nutrients,as well as increase the motility of the gastro intestinal tract.I would suggest her to start taking probiotics regularly.Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for digestion.As her gut flora will improve her constipation would be relieved and well formed stools will pass.

Apart from this other recommendations are-
-Linseed: is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. One teaspoon of linseed with warm water should be taken at night for bulk and lubrication.
-Proper chewing: The diet alone is not enough. Food should be properly chewed-each morsel for at least 20 times.
-Taking a short walk is a good way to get some light exercise. Walking time should be gradually increased until it reaches 20 minutes.
-She should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps push the food through the intestines and also helps lubricate intestinal tissues. When the body is dehydrated, the intestines absorb the fluids from the food waste, which in turn leads to hardened stools
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also important as these substances contribute to dehydration.
-Use fish oil and castor oil-Fish oil is believed to encourage healthy digestion and castor oil produces a laxative effect when ingested
-Fruits and vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, aid in alleviating symptoms of constipation,Whole-grain bread, XXXXXXX oatmeal, beans and lentils can also relieve the problem so use it Instead of highly processed rice, eat brown rice, millet or bulgur.
-Eat 2 cups of fruit 3 cups of vegetables and about 35 grams of fiber per day
fruits: Generally all fruits, except banana and XXXXXXX fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
Guava fruit when eaten with seeds, gives roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels.
Grapes: have also proved highly beneficial in overcoming constipation. The grapes have the cellulose; natural sugar and organic acid make them a natural laxative fruit. Not only they clean the bowel, but also tones up the stomach and intestines to relieve the chronic constipation
All these things will increase the bulk of your stool,Will soften it and will clear your ileum of the compacted faecal material.
-While sitting on the toilet, support the feet on a small stool in order to achieve a normal position that aids in bowel movement.
Don't stop laxative,initially start following all these advices then gradually taper the doses of laxatives she is on.
Take Fybogel husk-Fybogel sachets and Fybogel Hi-Fibre sachets both contain the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. Ispaghula is a type of fibre. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the faeces.It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative.

Follow all that i said your liver enzymes as welll as constipation will be relieved in few days and you would be much better.

Hope i answered your query well.
However in case you have any other specific question or need a professional advice feel free to ask.

Thank you and Regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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What Does My Liver Function Test Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: liver size is normal. Detailed Answer: Hello There, Thank you for asking your query on HealthcareMagic. As per your query answers are- Normal liver size is about 13-16 cms. Your liver size is 14.3 cm which is perfectly normal. GGT (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase) is often elevated in those who use alcohol or other liver-toxic substances to excess. The normal range of GGT is 0-45 U/L. Elevation of at least three times the normal value should be there for it to be significant. Mild to moderate elevation has no particular significance. Indigestion and constipation has nothing to do with bioavailability of drugs because drugs are not digested rather they are absobed into blood. Constipation has nothing to do with mild elevation of liver enzymes. Treatment of constipation is divided into two parts- For immediate relief in constipation - 1) Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution-Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) is used to empty the colon.The primary mode of action is thought to be through the osmotic effect of polyethylene glycol which causes water to be retained in the colon and produces a watery stool.you can use PEG-ES to empty your colon.It can be used by you on as and when required basis. 2)Manual extraction- If the stools are impacted and are not passed even after taking PEG-ES solution then it has to be removed manually by using a finger for extracting stools.For that you have to visit the nearest emergency room.Once the bowel is cleared gas will be settled. Long term relief- Taker 15-30 ml of lactulose solution daily before going to bed. A drastic change in life style is required to cure constipation. Not exercising enough, not drinking enough water and delaying a bowel movement can worsen constipation symptoms.The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined food such as whole grain cereals, XXXXXXX honey and lentils; green leafy vegetables, like spinach, beans, lettuce, celery, asparagus, carrot. Adding some fat to meals or increasing the size of a meal such as breakfast can help create the urge to defecate. Individuals suffering from constipation should increase the amount of plant foods they consume to get more fiber in their diet. Constipation can be treated by changing diets. Secondly human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by 1013-14 bacteria of 400 different species and subspecies.They are responsible for proper digestion of food.Depletion of this flora due to surgery can lead to severe constipation and digestive problems. Intestinal flora are types of microorganisms known as probiotics that live normally as part of the intestinal tract. These organisms have several functions that help the body.The most plentiful and important bacteria in the small intestine is the Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus helps ferment indigestible carbohydrates. It also helps to stimulate the digestive process and aid the absorption of nutrients,as well as increase the motility of the gastro intestinal tract.I would suggest her to start taking probiotics regularly.Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for digestion.As her gut flora will improve her constipation would be relieved and well formed stools will pass. Apart from this other recommendations are- -Linseed: is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. One teaspoon of linseed with warm water should be taken at night for bulk and lubrication. -Proper chewing: The diet alone is not enough. Food should be properly chewed-each morsel for at least 20 times. -Taking a short walk is a good way to get some light exercise. Walking time should be gradually increased until it reaches 20 minutes. -She should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps push the food through the intestines and also helps lubricate intestinal tissues. When the body is dehydrated, the intestines absorb the fluids from the food waste, which in turn leads to hardened stools - Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also important as these substances contribute to dehydration. -Use fish oil and castor oil-Fish oil is believed to encourage healthy digestion and castor oil produces a laxative effect when ingested -Fruits and vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, aid in alleviating symptoms of constipation,Whole-grain bread, XXXXXXX oatmeal, beans and lentils can also relieve the problem so use it Instead of highly processed rice, eat brown rice, millet or bulgur. -Eat 2 cups of fruit 3 cups of vegetables and about 35 grams of fiber per day fruits: Generally all fruits, except banana and XXXXXXX fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Guava fruit when eaten with seeds, gives roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. Grapes: have also proved highly beneficial in overcoming constipation. The grapes have the cellulose; natural sugar and organic acid make them a natural laxative fruit. Not only they clean the bowel, but also tones up the stomach and intestines to relieve the chronic constipation All these things will increase the bulk of your stool,Will soften it and will clear your ileum of the compacted faecal material. -While sitting on the toilet, support the feet on a small stool in order to achieve a normal position that aids in bowel movement. Don't stop laxative,initially start following all these advices then gradually taper the doses of laxatives she is on. Take Fybogel husk-Fybogel sachets and Fybogel Hi-Fibre sachets both contain the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. Ispaghula is a type of fibre. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the faeces.It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative. Follow all that i said your liver enzymes as welll as constipation will be relieved in few days and you would be much better. Hope i answered your query well. However in case you have any other specific question or need a professional advice feel free to ask. Thank you and Regards.