Have you ever heard the term "bilirubin levels" and wondered what it's all about? Simply put, bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells. It's processed by the liver and eventually eliminated in stool. Bilirubin levels are measured in your blood to assess liver function and overall health.
High bilirubin levels, a condition called hyperbilirubinemia, can indicate problems with the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells. Causes can range from harmless (like Gilbert's syndrome) to more serious conditions like hepatitis or gallstones. Symptoms of high bilirubin may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools.
Low bilirubin levels are less common and usually aren't a cause for concern. However, extremely low levels might sometimes be linked to certain medications or underlying conditions.
If your doctor has ordered a bilirubin test, don't panic! Discussing the results with them is crucial to understanding what your levels mean in your specific case and determining if any further investigation or treatment is needed.
