Gilbert Syndrome is a genetic liver disease in which the liver cannot metabolize bilirubin correctly.
Urine and feces are the products of your liver’s breakdown of old red blood cells, which produces bilirubin and other chemicals. Gilbert Syndrome individuals experience hyperbilirubinemia, or an excess of bilirubin in the blood. The results of a blood test may include this phrase. It merely suggests that your body has more bilirubin than usual. Increased bilirubin levels are frequently a sign of problems with the liver. Your liver is usually normal with Gilbert Syndrome, though.
Gilbert Syndrome affects 3 to 7 percent of the population in America. Some studies indicate that this percentage may as high as 13 percent. Even if it might result in some
What are the symptoms?
Patients with Gilbert Syndrome may not always have obvious symptoms. In fact, symptoms may not even be present in 30% of patients of Gilbert Syndrome. The illness can nevertheless have an impact on some people even if they are unaware that they have it. Often, a diagnosis is made in early adulthood.
Jaundice, sometimes referred to as yellowing of the skin and eye whites
diarrhea, nausea, and slight stomach pain
Weary
In the event that your Gilbert Syndrome is linked to any of the following behaviors that elevate your bilirubin levels, you should be especially aware of these symptoms:
Being ill or contaminated, exerting yourself physically or mentally, fasting for extended periods of time, consuming little water, getting little sleep, and going through stressful situations
advantages of surgery
Experiencing the effects of cold weather during menstruation
Why does it happen?
Gilbert Syndrome is a genetic condition that you inherit from your parents.
It is caused by a mutation in the UGT1A1 gene. Your body produces less bilirubin-UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), an enzyme that breaks down bilirubin, as a result of this mutation. Your body needs the right quantity of this enzyme in order to metabolize bilirubin correctly.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor may do a Gilbert Syndrome test if they observe jaundice in the absence of any other liver-related symptoms or indicators. Even if you don’t have jaundice, your doctor can still detect high bilirubin levels during a routine liver function test.
Your doctor may order a liver biopsy, CT scan, ultrasound, or other blood tests to rule out any further medical disorders that could be the source of your excessive bilirubin levels or contribute to them. Many blood and liver conditions can coexist with Gilbert Syndrome.
Gilbert Syndrome may be identified if your liver tests show increased bilirubin and there are no other symptoms of liver disease. In order to identify the gene mutation causing the illness, your doctor may occasionally perform genetic testing. It can be brought on by niacin and rifampin medicines.
How is it managed?
The majority of Gilbert Syndrome patients don’t require medical attention. If your body’s total bilirubin levels cause significant symptoms like nausea or exhaustion, your doctor could advise taking phenobarbital (Luminal) every day.
Make sure you get enough sleep. Try to get seven or eight hours every night. Whenever feasible, stick to a schedule.
Steer clear of prolonged, intense exercise. Less than ten minutes should be allotted for hard training sessions. Try to get in at least 30 minutes a day of light to moderate exercise.
Continue to drink enough water. This is especially crucial when exercising, it’s hot outside, or you’re sick.
Try some relaxing techniques to manage your stress. Try yoga, meditation, listening to music, or other relaxing activities.
Consume a balanced diet. Eat regularly, don’t skip any meals, and don’t follow any diets that require calorie restriction or fasting.
Limit your alcohol intake. If you have liver disease, it is advised to abstain from alcohol. However, if you do drink, limit your intake.”
