HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Do Elevated Liver Enzymes And Ammonia Levels Indicate?

I have had numerous tests and seen several specialists due to continued pancreatitus attacks. Now the tests have ruled that my pancreas is fine so it must be my liver causing all the problems. My liver enzymes are elevated and now I keep having high ammonia levels making it hard to stay awake most days and also causing confusion. Some days I feel like I m losing my mind. I can t continue to live like this. But what issue with my liver could it be? I ve been tested for everything and nothing has shown up and I am not nor have I ever been a heavy drinker.
Fri, 30 Mar 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Incomplete data.

Suggestive of severe liver disease or non alcoholic cirrhosis.

An important function of the liver is to make toxic substances in the body harmless. Ammonia is one such toxic substance produced by the breakdown of protein or by the bacterial in the intestines. The liver normally converts ammonia into urea, which is then eliminated in urine.

Increased ammonia levels in the blood are due to inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea. This may be caused by cirrhosis or severe hepatitis.

Increased ammonia can build up in the bloodstream and which can affect the function of the nervous system. Elevated liver enzymes are also due to liver damage.

You are advised to consult your treating doctor for proper clinical assessment and treatment which may include use of laxative (lactulose) and certain antibiotics (Rifaximin) to reduce the level of increased ammonia levels in the blood along with certain diet modifications.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Do Elevated Liver Enzymes And Ammonia Levels Indicate?

Hello, Incomplete data. Suggestive of severe liver disease or non alcoholic cirrhosis. An important function of the liver is to make toxic substances in the body harmless. Ammonia is one such toxic substance produced by the breakdown of protein or by the bacterial in the intestines. The liver normally converts ammonia into urea, which is then eliminated in urine. Increased ammonia levels in the blood are due to inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea. This may be caused by cirrhosis or severe hepatitis. Increased ammonia can build up in the bloodstream and which can affect the function of the nervous system. Elevated liver enzymes are also due to liver damage. You are advised to consult your treating doctor for proper clinical assessment and treatment which may include use of laxative (lactulose) and certain antibiotics (Rifaximin) to reduce the level of increased ammonia levels in the blood along with certain diet modifications. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali