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Can Pain Medicines, Cortisone Or Beer Have Effect On AST/ALT Readings?
Hi Doctor, I recently had some blood work done. One of the items that stood out was the AST/ALT range. my AST was normal @ 31 but my ALT was @ 64. I have been on pain meds specifically oxycodone but I take very little of it but I had been taking it before and during the testing period. I also recently had a cortisone injection a few days before the test. I drink maybe a beer or two a night and maybe a shot on the weekend. My doctor says I should stop drinking caffeine drinks and not drink anymore beer. It seems a little over protective for such a slightly elevated ALT number. what are your thoughts?
Thu, 20 Nov 2014
Dear friend, Greetings from HCM... elevation in ALT levels is an indication of inflammation in liver may be due to alcoholism you have developed fat deposition in liver condition is called as fatty liver or steato-hepatitis... please keep in mind that at this stage the injury is very much reversible ... but if it continues it may land up in liver cirrhosis which is a condition where the entire liver tissue will be replaced by fibrous tissue!!! so try and avoid alcohol take more of green leafy vegetables and fruits ... more of protein rich diet avoid carbohydrates .. do exercise .. at least go for a walk for at least half an hour to one hour a day ... avoid too much of pain killers/steroids / for that matter any drugs with out our consultation ... thank you for contacting us take care do contact us if needed
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