What is the cause of bilirubin being high?

Hello Anonymous,
I would like to welcome you to the EmpowHER Community and thank you for reaching out to us to help you understand your test results.

Bilirubin is a substance that is found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin is removed from the body and excreted in feces. It gives stool its normal brown color.

The normal range can vary from lab to lab. But, if your physician told you that your bilirubin levels are high, we will go with that.

High bilirubin levels can indicate several conditions such as:
1) cholecystitis, which is an infected gallbladder

2) diseases that cause liver damage, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or mononucleosis

3) diseases that cause blockage of the bile ducts, such as gallstones

4) rapid destruction of red blood cells, as seen with sickle cell disease or following an allergic reaction to a blood transfusion

5) certain medications may increase bilirubin levels. Such medications include many antibiotics, some types of birth control pills, Indocin, Dilantin, Valium and Dalmane.

Anonymous, this is general information that I hope will help you when you see the specialist. What type of physician will you be seeing?

Regards
Maryann