What is Bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. It is a normal part of the body's metabolism, and it is removed from the body by the liver and excreted in the bile.

When the liver is unable to properly remove bilirubin from the body, it can build up in the blood and cause jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It can also cause itching, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Bilirubin levels can be measured with a blood test. High bilirubin levels can be a sign of liver disease, gallbladder disease, or a blood disorder. Treatment for high bilirubin levels depends on the underlying cause.

what is bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.

• Normal part of metabolism
• Removed by liver, excreted in bile
• High levels cause jaundice
• Jaundice: yellow skin, eyes
• Can cause itching, fatigue, pain
• Measured with blood test
• High levels: liver/gallbladder disease, blood disorders

Treatment depends on underlying cause.

Normal part of metabolism

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced as a normal part of the body's metabolism. It is produced when red blood cells break down. Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. When they die, they are broken down by the spleen and liver. The hemoglobin in the red blood cells is broken down into several components, including bilirubin.

Bilirubin is then transported to the liver by a protein called albumin. The liver conjugates bilirubin with glucuronic acid, which makes it water-soluble. This allows the bilirubin to be excreted in the bile, which is a fluid that helps to digest fats. The bile is then stored in the gallbladder. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and releases the bile into the intestine. The bilirubin is then excreted from the body in the feces.

The normal range of bilirubin in the blood is 0.3 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, bilirubin levels can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, such as age, sex, and ethnicity. For example, newborns often have higher bilirubin levels than adults. This is because their livers are not yet fully developed.

Bilirubin is a normal part of metabolism, but high levels of bilirubin can indicate a health problem. For example, high bilirubin levels can be caused by liver disease, gallbladder disease, or a blood disorder. If you have high bilirubin levels, your doctor will likely order tests to determine the underlying cause.

Bilirubin levels can be measured with a blood test. A blood test can also be used to measure other liver function tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These tests can help your doctor to determine if you have liver damage.

Removed by liver, excreted in bile

Bilirubin is removed from the body by the liver and excreted in the bile.

• Liver conjugates bilirubin with glucuronic acid.
  

  This makes bilirubin water-soluble, which allows it to be excreted in the bile.

• Bile is stored in the gallbladder.
  

  When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and releases the bile into the intestine.

• Bilirubin is excreted from the body in the feces.
  

  Bile helps to digest fats, and it also helps to remove waste products from the body, including bilirubin.

• Bilirubin levels can fluctuate.
  

  For example, newborns often have higher bilirubin levels than adults. This is because their livers are not yet fully developed.

If the liver is unable to properly remove bilirubin from the body, it can build up in the blood and cause jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It can also cause itching, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

High levels cause jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, bilirubin is removed from the body by the liver and excreted in the bile. However, if the liver is unable to properly remove bilirubin, it can build up in the blood and cause jaundice.

Jaundice can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Liver disease: Liver disease can damage the liver cells, which can prevent them from removing bilirubin from the blood.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallbladder disease can block the bile duct, which can prevent bile from flowing from the liver to the intestine. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
• Blood disorders: Some blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia, can cause the red blood cells to break down prematurely. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
• Newborns: Newborns often have higher bilirubin levels than adults. This is because their livers are not yet fully developed.

Symptoms of jaundice can include:

• Yellow skin and eyes
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Pale stools

Jaundice can be diagnosed with a blood test. Treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause.

Jaundice is a serious condition that can lead to liver damage and other health problems. If you have jaundice, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Jaundice: yellow skin, eyes

Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

• Bilirubin is a yellow pigment.
  

  When bilirubin levels in the blood are high, it can cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow.

• Jaundice can be caused by a variety of factors.
  

  These include liver disease, gallbladder disease, blood disorders, and newborn jaundice.

• Jaundice can be a serious condition.
  

  If left untreated, it can lead to liver damage and other health problems.

• Jaundice is diagnosed with a blood test.
  

  Treatment for jaundice depends on the underlying cause.

If you have jaundice, it is important to see a doctor right away. Jaundice can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Can cause سرخ colouration of the skin and eyes

Measured with blood test

Bilirubin levels can be measured with a blood test. A blood test can also be used to measure other liver function tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These tests can help your doctor to determine if you have liver damage.

A blood test for bilirubin is typically done when a person has symptoms of jaundice, such as yellow skin or eyes. It may also be done if a person has a history of liver disease or if they are taking medications that can cause liver damage.

The normal range of bilirubin in the blood is 0.3 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, bilirubin levels can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, such as age, sex, and ethnicity. For example, newborns often have higher bilirubin levels than adults. This is because their livers are not yet fully developed.

If a blood test shows that you have high bilirubin levels, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, or a liver biopsy.

Early diagnosis and treatment of high bilirubin levels can help to prevent serious complications. If you have any symptoms of jaundice, such as yellow skin or eyes, it is important to see a doctor right away.

High levels: liver/gallbladder disease, blood disorders

High levels of bilirubin in the blood can be caused by a variety of factors, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, and blood disorders.

Liver disease can damage the liver cells, which can prevent them from removing bilirubin from the blood. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause jaundice.

Gallbladder disease can block the bile duct, which can prevent bile from flowing from the liver to the intestine. This can also lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia, can cause the red blood cells to break down prematurely. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Other factors that can cause high bilirubin levels include:

• Certain medications
• Alcohol abuse
• Pregnancy
• Pancreatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis

If you have high bilirubin levels, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, or a liver biopsy.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about bilirubin:

Question 1: What is bilirubin?
Answer 1: Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. It is normally removed from the body by the liver and excreted in the bile.

Question 2: What causes high levels of bilirubin?
Answer 2: High levels of bilirubin can be caused by liver disease, gallbladder disease, blood disorders, and certain medications.

Question 3: What are the symptoms of high bilirubin levels?
Answer 3: Symptoms of high bilirubin levels can include yellow skin and eyes, itching, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Question 4: How is bilirubin measured?
Answer 4: Bilirubin levels are measured with a blood test.

Question 5: How is high bilirubin treated?
Answer 5: Treatment for high bilirubin depends on the underlying cause.

Question 6: What are the complications of high bilirubin levels?
Answer 6: Complications of high bilirubin levels can include liver damage, kidney damage, and kernicterus (a type of brain damage that can occur in newborns).

Question 7: Can high bilirubin levels be prevented?
Answer 7: Some cases of high bilirubin levels can be prevented by avoiding alcohol abuse, certain medications, and eating a healthy diet.

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If you have any questions or concerns about bilirubin, please talk to your doctor.

Here are some additional tips for preventing high bilirubin levels:

Tips

Here are some tips for preventing high bilirubin levels:

Tip 1: Avoid alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse can damage the liver, which can lead to high bilirubin levels.

Tip 2: Avoid certain medications.

Some medications, such as acetaminophen and certain antibiotics, can cause high bilirubin levels.

Tip 3: Eat a healthy diet.

Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to support liver health and prevent high bilirubin levels.

Tip 4: Get regular checkups.

If you have a history of liver disease or gallbladder disease, it is important to get regular checkups to monitor your bilirubin levels.

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By following these tips, you can help to prevent high bilirubin levels and maintain a healthy liver.

If you have any questions or concerns about bilirubin, please talk to your doctor.

Conclusion

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. It is normally removed from the body by the liver and excreted in the bile. However, if the liver is unable to properly remove bilirubin from the body, it can build up in the blood and cause jaundice.

High levels of bilirubin can be caused by a variety of factors, including liver disease, gallbladder disease, blood disorders, and certain medications. Symptoms of high bilirubin levels can include yellow skin and eyes, itching, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Bilirubin levels can be measured with a blood test. Treatment for high bilirubin levels depends on the underlying cause.

Closing Message

If you have any questions or concerns about bilirubin, please talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of high bilirubin levels can help to prevent serious complications.