Liver Blood Tests: Liver blood tests are used to check the levels and function of liver enzymes in the blood called AST and ALT or aminotransferases in the blood. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea. Normal levels of liver enzymes in blood are caused by liver diseases caused by drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, and statins. Less common causes of abnormal levels of ALT or AST levels in the blood are alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NASH), hepatitis, and alcoholism.
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Abdominal Pain in Adults
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Addiction
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Adult Primary Liver Cancer
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Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined as when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Alcohol is the generic term for ethanol. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol they may have euphoria, poor coordination and movement, poor judgment, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, and even coma and death if the person consumed enough alcohol. Gender, coexisiting medical conditions, and medications may have an effect on the level of alcohol intoxication a person experiences. -
Alcoholism
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life-threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Signs of a drinking problem include insomnia, loss of employment, blackouts, depression, auto accidents, bruises, frequent falls, and anxiety. Treatment involves stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation of the alcohol-dependent person. -
Understanding Antidepressant Medications
There are many types of depression such as clinical depression, major depression, seasonal affective depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. There are a variety of depression medications, and their effectiveness may vary from patient to patient. Examples of the types of depression medications include atypical antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking any medication. -
Can a 15-Year-Old Deliver a Baby
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Childhood Liver Cancer
Hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma are the two main types of childhood liver cancer. Signs and symptoms include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal swelling, and an abdominal lump that may be painful. Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, watchful waiting, ablation therapy, and antiviral treatment. -
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is progressive and chronic scarring of the liver, caused by hepatitis infection, alcoholism, or other factors. Learn about symptoms and life expectancy. -
Colitis
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Congestive Heart Failure
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Crohn Disease
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is a chronic long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloating, and infections of the urinary tract and vagina. Treatment for Crohn's disease includes lifestyle changes in diet, medication, and surgery. -
Crohn Disease FAQs
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is a chronic condition that is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and fever. Treatment options include diet changes, medication, and surgery. The prognosis for Crohn's disease depends on the patient and the areas affected by Crohn's disease. -
Crohn Disease in Children and Teens
Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the small intestine. Crohn's disease is also referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease in children and teens generally develop symptoms before the age of 20. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, appetite loss, and slowed growth. Management of Crohn's disease in children and teens is possible with medication and lifestyle changes. -
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic related steatohepatitis) is a disease where by there is an increased accumulation of fat in the liver. This fat accumulation can lead to cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. Fatty liver disease is caused by a diet high in fat and calories, association with other diseases and conditions, and certain medications. Treatment for fatty liver disease depends on the cause of fat accumulation in the liver. -
Fever in Adults
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Fever in Children
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Foreign Travel
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Gallstones
Gallstones (gallbladder stones) symptoms like abdominal pain after eating fatty or greasy meal. Learn if diet has a role in the formation of gallstones and the potential for surgical treatment. -
Heart Failure Symptoms
Heart failure is an inability of the heart to pump blood adequately. Early symptoms and signs of heart failure include shortness of breath, peripheral edema, exercise intolerance, weight gain, increased urination, fatigue, pleural effusion, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. -
Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH, iron overload) is a genetic disorder in which excess iron is retained in the body. Hemochromatosis may affect several organs in the body including the skin, joints, liver, pancreas, thyroid, testicles, and heart. As a result of the excess build up of iron in organs, conditions and diseases can result from the excess iron, for example, diabetes, cirrhosis, heart failure, and brown skin, among others. Treatment for hemochromatosis is generally phlebotomy and dietary changes. -
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus (HAV, Hep A) causes inflammation of the liver that is spread from person to person. Learn about symptoms, treatment, vaccines, and when to see a doctor. -
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) is a liver disease that spreads via blood, semen, saliva, broken skin around the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Read about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. -
Hepatitis B Treatment
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis can be potentially prevented by the available hepatitis vaccines for both infants, children, and adults. Hepatitis B treatment options include a class of medications called nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, and interferons. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions should be discussed with a doctor prior to starting treatment with hepatitis B medicaitons. -
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C) is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection of the HCV virus, typically spread through blood contact. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment. -
Hepatitis C Kills More People Than HIV Infection
Hepatitis C kills more people each year than HIV infection. Both diseases are viral and are transmitted sexually and through sharing intravenous needles. Hepatitis C is especially easy to spread because symptoms don't manifest for years in some cases, meaning someone who is infected may not know it. -
Current and Future Medications for Hepatitis C
Inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is referred to as hepatitis C. There are a variety of treatments available for hepatitis C, depending on the type and severity of infection to include: antiviral medications, interferon's, ribavarin drugs, protease inhibitors. Additional treatment includes lifestyle changes and home care, surgery, and liver transplant. There is no vaccination for hepatitis C. -
How Do You Know If Your Liver Is Failing
Liver failure symptoms and signs include yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal distension from fluid accumulation (ascites), right upper quadrant pain or tenderness, enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), fatigue, feeling unwell (malaise), lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching, difficulty sleeping, confusion, and comatose. -
Congestive Heart Failure Survival Rate
The life expectancy for congestive heart failure depends on the cause of heart failure, its severity, and other underlying medical conditions. -
Is Hepatitis an STD
There are several types of hepatitis, an infection and inflammation of the liver, some of which can be transmitted sexually (particularly hepatitis B). -
Is Hepatitis Contagious Hep C Hepatitis A B
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are caused by viruses and are contagious, but each illness is spread differently. -
Is Liver Cancer in a Child Curable
Liver cancer in children and adolescents is rare, but it responds to treatment. Chemotherapy, surgery and other treatments may send the cancer into remission (no evidence of cancer cells in tests), but doctors hesitate to say any cancer is “cured.” -
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow staining of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment bilirubin. Examples of the causes of jaundice include; malaria, sickle cell disease, drugs, toxins, newborn jaundice, gallstones, pancreatitis, and autoimmune disorders. Some of the common symptoms of jaundice include yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, light colored stools, dark urine, and itching of the skin. Treatment for jaundice depends on the cause. -
Liver Biopsy
Liver biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the liver. Reasons for liver biopsy is to diagnose disease, monitor disease, and monitor the effectiveness of therapy. Risk of liver biopsy include hematoma, bleeding, striking another organ, and tumor tracking. Types of liver biopsy include percutaneous, transjugular, and intraoperative liver biopsy. -
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is hard to diagnose as symptoms and signs are vague and nonspecific. Symptoms and signs may include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, or appetite loss. Treatment may incorporate surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. -
Liver
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins).The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include; cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver). Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice. -
Liver Transplant
Liver disease is a serious problem; the liver is one of the most-frequently transplanted organ in the United States. -
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small-cell lung cancer is one of two types of lung cancer. Non-small-cell lung cancer symptoms and signs include coughing, shortness of breath, spitting blood, chest pain, pneumonia, and other respiratory symptoms. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. The prognosis and life expectancy are good if the disease is caught in the early stages. -
Poisoning
Poisoning can have serious signs or symptoms including nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, seizure, confusion, or pain. The National Poisong Control Center phone number in the U.S. 1-800-222-1222. Causes of poisoning include medications, chemicals, lead, and more. Treatment depends upon the type of poisoning. -
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of small bile ducts within the liver. The bile ducts transport bile from the liver to the intestine for the absorption of fat and elimination of waste products. The causes of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis may involve autoimmunity, infection, or genetic predisposition, acting alone or in combination. There are many medications and treatment options available for those with this and other associated diseases of primary biliary cirrhosis. -
Abdominal Pain in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites. -
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning or overdose, is caused primarily by damage to the liver. Symptoms of acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and not feel well. Treatment for acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning include gastric lavage, NAC, or activated charcoal. -
What Are the Four Components of Addiction
Addiction is a compulsive desire to continue harmful behaviors such as taking a drug or gambling, and being unable to stop, even if the person is aware there are harmful consequences and wants to stop the addiction. There are four components of addiction symptoms, which include impaired control, social problems, risky use, and drug effects. -
What Are the 4 Stages of Congestive Heart Failure
The four stages of heart failure are classified by the letters A, B, C and D. “A” is the least severe stage with no symptoms, and the scale progresses to “D,” the most severe, requiring aggressive medical treatment. -
What Are the Four Symptoms of Hepatitis
Early on, hepatitis may not cause any symptoms. Four common symptoms of hepatitis A, B, or C may include flu-like illness early on, tiredness/fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever. Other symptoms of hepatitis A, B, or C may include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, light- or clay-colored stools, dark-colored urine, pain under the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, joint pain, and itchy skin. -
What Does Substance Addiction Mean
Substance addiction (drug addiction) is a disorder that causes a person to have a compulsive desire to continue taking a drug in spite of harmful consequences. Symptoms of substance addiction include impaired control, social problems, risky use, and drug effects (tolerance and withdrawal). -
What Is Considered an Alcoholic
A person may be considered an alcoholic when drinking adversely affects one’s personal or professional life, causes serious consequences, or when people lose control over their drinking. The medical term is “alcohol use disorder.” -
Difference Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorder
Substance abuse disorder is focused on using substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to such an extreme that makes the person unable to perform daily functions. Addictions are the most severe form of substance use disorder, which leaves people who are addicted often aware of their problem but are unable to stop, even if they want to. -
What Light Type Phototherapy for Jaundice
Different bulbs and colors of light -- usually in the blue-green part of the spectrum -- penetrate skin and help the body clear the excess bilirubin that causes the yellow skin coloration of jaundice. -
Why Are Diuretics Used in Heart Failure
Diuretics (water pills) help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt in the body, which makes it easier for the heart to pump. The definition of heart failure means the heart is not pumping as it should to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Diuretics are frequently used to treat swelling and water buildup caused by heart failure.
Featured:
Addiction Addiction is possible whenever ingesting a substance causes the basic pleasure and reward circuits in the brain to activate. Addiction is an illness that requires treatment, because people with addictions cannot stop on their own. Symptoms of addiction include a person's inability to stop using the substance, devoting a lot of time and effort toward obtaining, using, and recovering from the substance's effects, discontinuing important social, employment, and recreational activities due to preoccupation with the substance, developing tolerance for the substance, and developing withdrawal symptoms.
Liver Blood Tests Topic Guide - Visuals
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Liver Blood Tests Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
AtorvastatinAtorvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholestero...learn more »
DiclofenacDiclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis...learn more »
FosinoprilFosinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »
Aspirin (oral)Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation...learn more »
Carbamazepine (oral)Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Carbamazepine is also ...learn more »
Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)Acetaminophen is used to reduce fever and relieve minor pain caused by conditions such as colds or flu, headache, muscle aches, arthritis, and menstrual cram...learn more »
Liver Blood Tests Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). The primary cause of ascites is liver disease such as; cirrhosis, acute li...learn more »
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. There are no symptoms and it is often diagnosed during routine blood tests. Learn about preven...learn more »
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. The complete blood count test provides valuable information about the quantity of the differen...learn more »
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and the condition has two types, chronic and acute. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment.learn more »
Statins and Cholesterol
Statins are a class of drug prescribed for reducing blood cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol. Examples of statins available include ator...learn more »