Why are my liver enzymes elevated?
- Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD and NASH): Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), involve the accumulation of fat in liver cells. This can lead to inflammation and elevated liver enzymes. Factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
- Infections:
Hepatitis: Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, can be caused by viral infections. Types include:Hepatitis A: Caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B and C: Transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Hepatitis D: Only occurs in conjunction with Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E: Primarily waterborne.
Tick-borne infections: Some infections, like Babesia and Rickettsia, transmitted by ticks, can lead to liver inflammation and consequently elevated liver enzymes.
Other co-infections: Many bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections can affect the liver, including Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. - Heavy Metals: Chronic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, or mercury can damage the liver and elevate liver enzymes. These metals can enter the body through food, water, air, or absorption through the skin.
- Medications: Some medicines, including certain pain relievers, statins, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications, can lead to elevated liver enzymes.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can damage liver cells, leading to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, both of which can elevate liver enzymes.
- Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, where the body's immune system attacks the liver, can cause inflammation and elevated liver enzymes.
- Other Causes: These can include:Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to various causes such as alcohol, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Hemochromatosis: An inherited condition leading to iron accumulation in the liver.
Wilson's disease: A rare inherited disorder causing copper to accumulate in the liver.
Celiac disease: An immune reaction to eating gluten can lead to liver enzyme elevation in some cases.
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