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Weakness,lethargic,soreness Left Side,ALT Level In Blood Test High
Question: My child (age 13) has been feeling weak and lethargic. Our doctor ordered a blood test. She also has complained about soreness on her left side. The blood test reveals an ALT level of 21 (6-19 being normal range). We are concerned and wondering what we steps we should take next?
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
The ALT reading you mentioned is not serious , even though its out of range readings above 40 are considered pathological .Mild variation in the levels can be seen daily, the rise in the levels in her depend on the food consumed ( fatty food ) recently before the test.
To arrive at a possible diagnosis for your child being lethargic I would like to get some more information on her condition like :
1)Has she attained Menarche ?
2)Since when is she lethargic?
3)Does she have any symptoms like fever , headache, joint and muscle pains etc ?
4) Is the soreness she complains always or at specific times , is there any relation of the same with food ?
5) When was she diagnosed with LYME disease and what treatment has been advised ?
Anticipating your response to answer you earliest.
Thanks for your query.
The ALT reading you mentioned is not serious , even though its out of range readings above 40 are considered pathological .Mild variation in the levels can be seen daily, the rise in the levels in her depend on the food consumed ( fatty food ) recently before the test.
To arrive at a possible diagnosis for your child being lethargic I would like to get some more information on her condition like :
1)Has she attained Menarche ?
2)Since when is she lethargic?
3)Does she have any symptoms like fever , headache, joint and muscle pains etc ?
4) Is the soreness she complains always or at specific times , is there any relation of the same with food ?
5) When was she diagnosed with LYME disease and what treatment has been advised ?
Anticipating your response to answer you earliest.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer.
1) Yes
2) She in general just seems to be tired and shows often a lack of interest. She is currently involved in many activites which require a lot of running around. Recently on vacation in Florida, we went to an amusement park and she just sort of got exhausted and wanted to stay in our room for the vacation and sleep.
3)No fever but she does complain about muscle soreness and seems to get exhausted (out of breath) in gym class when they have to do sprints and running. The doctor got her an inhaler (thinking asthma) but that didn't seem to help.
4) The soreness on her side is sporadic and as of yet, we are unable to link it to any specific food or activity.
5) She was originally diagnosed with Lyme about a year ago and I think was prescribed Tetracycline (?) which she is on again.
Also, my wife was diagnosed with HepC about 10 years ago. She went through the 4-6 month treatment and was told it was virtually eradicated from her system.
thank you
1) Yes
2) She in general just seems to be tired and shows often a lack of interest. She is currently involved in many activites which require a lot of running around. Recently on vacation in Florida, we went to an amusement park and she just sort of got exhausted and wanted to stay in our room for the vacation and sleep.
3)No fever but she does complain about muscle soreness and seems to get exhausted (out of breath) in gym class when they have to do sprints and running. The doctor got her an inhaler (thinking asthma) but that didn't seem to help.
4) The soreness on her side is sporadic and as of yet, we are unable to link it to any specific food or activity.
5) She was originally diagnosed with Lyme about a year ago and I think was prescribed Tetracycline (?) which she is on again.
Also, my wife was diagnosed with HepC about 10 years ago. She went through the 4-6 month treatment and was told it was virtually eradicated from her system.
thank you
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for getting back to me with the details.
I think the lethargy could be due to the hormonal changes that she is going through. Since she has attained menarche,her body may take some time to get adjusted to the hormonal levels.
It could also be due to inadequate amount of calories in her diet or any underlying nutrition/vitamin deficiencies which are quite common in the growing age.
Since the blood tests have been normal , I do not worry about the possibility of an underlying systemic illness being a reason for her lethargy.
My advice to her would be:
1.Consume lots of XXXXXXX leafy vegetables , fruits , make her meal colorful.This includes lot of antioxidants which would give immunity and maintain good health.
2.Consume protein XXXXXXX food and get sufficient calories for her daily lifestyle.
3.Lots of water and fresh fruit juices shall energize her all through the day.
4.Plenty of rest before and after any physical activity.
Tetracycline may put a strain on the body resources, but it will not cause any form of severe weakness. If it is been prescribed by your doctor, please continue taking it according to his advice.
You may also ask your doctor to prescribe some nutritional supplements in form of tablet / syrup / powder.A good multivitamin and calcium supplements may be of great help.
I wish you daughter good health and speedy recovery.
Thanks for getting back to me with the details.
I think the lethargy could be due to the hormonal changes that she is going through. Since she has attained menarche,her body may take some time to get adjusted to the hormonal levels.
It could also be due to inadequate amount of calories in her diet or any underlying nutrition/vitamin deficiencies which are quite common in the growing age.
Since the blood tests have been normal , I do not worry about the possibility of an underlying systemic illness being a reason for her lethargy.
My advice to her would be:
1.Consume lots of XXXXXXX leafy vegetables , fruits , make her meal colorful.This includes lot of antioxidants which would give immunity and maintain good health.
2.Consume protein XXXXXXX food and get sufficient calories for her daily lifestyle.
3.Lots of water and fresh fruit juices shall energize her all through the day.
4.Plenty of rest before and after any physical activity.
Tetracycline may put a strain on the body resources, but it will not cause any form of severe weakness. If it is been prescribed by your doctor, please continue taking it according to his advice.
You may also ask your doctor to prescribe some nutritional supplements in form of tablet / syrup / powder.A good multivitamin and calcium supplements may be of great help.
I wish you daughter good health and speedy recovery.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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