What causes elevated liver enzymes in an otherwise healthy person?

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My mother (early 60s) walks every day, eats in moderation, drinks occasionally, and does not smoke. Her blood test came back for elevated liver enzymes, which is very concerning, since she seems very healthy.
No one blood testing is 100% accurate...it
takes more than one to be sure.

The liver enzymes are a hint that there may
be liver cell damage. However, The
ALT enzyme is the most specific to the
liver diagnosis, since it is mostly made in the
liver...the other enzymes are made in the liver
but also, in about the same quantities, in other
organs.

It takes more blood tests to truly confirm
it is a liver problem. These tests include
the liver functions tests (Bilirubin, INR,
Albumin, Pt, PTT) which shows how well
the cells of the liver are able to perform
the functions to keep the body well and
also the viral testing to see if a virus is
using the liver cells to replicate itself
(like Hepatitis A,B,C,etc).

Patients who have liver disease, will not
know they have it. The liver is very quiet
about damage done to it, until the cells
start to die off and the functions deteriorate.
They may appear tired or sometimes have
flu like symptoms...this could be mistaken
for other medical ills.

Some of the things that can cause liver damage
that doesn't involve alcohol is:
medication toxification
chemical exposure
hereditary conditions
autoimmune disease
fatty liver disease
biliary obstruction/malformation/infection
cancer or tumors/cysts
cardiac problems
parasitic infections
viral infections
and there are others.

Some of these liver enzymes can be elevated
if you have trouble with the bones or
if there is a biliary problem, have heart problems,
or have exercised alot before the testing.

If her enzymes stay elevated...they may
examine her to see if they can feel if the
liver is enlarged. If the cells of the liver
are damaged, the immune system of
the body responds and causes inflammation
in the liver which causes the liver to enlarge
in size. If this happens to be the case,
they may do an ultrasound or Ct scan
to look at the liver. She should be referred
to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist if
they see an enlargement or tumors or if
the blood isn't flowing well through the liver.

It is difficult to wait for the next blood tests
results...but, at times, they will return to
normal. In some people, elevated levels
are their normal for them.

Hope things work out that she doesn't
have any problems. Best wishes.  (+ info)

How long does it take for an infection to turn to an abscess?

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I have just learned that I may have an abscess on my falopine tube.
It is not possible to determine...they can turn within hours or weeks...different people have different systems...healing times etc...good luck with that..  (+ info)

Can a tooth that had root canal treatment for an abscess develop another abscess in the same spot a year later?

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The root canalled tooth doesn't hurt because no nerves there but everything around it (gum area, side of face, and ear hurts. Haven't slept through the last 3 nights- Help! Ready to go get an xray so I can determine if an abscess exists- so expensive!
Yup. I had to get 3 for the same spot, then the 3rd didn't work and I had to get it pulled and get an implant.  (+ info)

Seeking info regarding the liver. How much liver can the body safely function on?

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If someone had part of their liver removed, where would the scar be (if any) and can the body actually function on half a liver? Does it grow back? Myth or fiction? Can you have half your liver removed with keyhole surgery?

May seem queer, but these questions i would love the answer to for peace of mind. Or, any websites i can visit to give me the answers to these questions.
The body can function with up to 80% of the liver cut out. It also will grow back in about a year, not sure about the keyhole...but I had a friend with liver cancer...she had 80% removed and its all grown back cancer free....  (+ info)

How long does it take an skin abscess to drain and will the skin flatten out again?

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I'm currently on antibiotics for an abscess but I did not hv it lanced, the dr popped it with a needle and its draining on its own however its still very red and its on my side. How long will this drain, how long will it be before the redness goes away and the skin returns to normal?
Probably until it fully drains of the bacteria (causes the pain)
Try some hot clean compresses to the area.
Keep up with the antibiotics and be sure to call the MD if it's not better by Friday.  (+ info)

What type of liver disease or kidney disease makes people smell from sweat?

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Just asking, cuz I know a person whos has liver illness, and smell from the liver damage.

and how can you make the liver better, do u have to change your diet?
she only 16, she had it since she was a lil kid, i dont think she was drinking.
stop boozing...

.  (+ info)

What are the effects of prolonged hydrocodone use on the liver?

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One of my friends has been addicted for several years, but decided to detox this past weekend (say a prayer that he won't relapse). He said that he could have had liver and heart problems if he would have kept taking them.

What actually happens to the liver as a result of hydrocodone use? How does the person know they have liver problems as a result of the hydrocodone use?
It's the acetaminophen used with the hydrocodone that does the real damage. Unless your friend has a source for pharmacy compounded pure hydrocodone.

And there are plenty of people who have died in their 20's from liver failure due to recreational addiction to pain killers containing hydrocodone.  (+ info)

Can I drink alcohol whilst having an abscess packed daily?

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Ok so it's the weekend and the last day of the six nations, I want to have a few beers and wonder whether drinking alcohol will affect this at all? The abscess is in the Axillary area (armpit) and is being packed daily since the operation on wedesday last. Basically I'm worried it'll make it bleed more or something similar!

Thanks for any responses!
You are correct. Alcohol will thin your blood and make your wound bleed more. I would not recommend drinking anything alcoholic. There will be plenty of days for you to drink. This wound will heal and then you can drink.  (+ info)

What happens when pus from a gum abscess is swallowed?

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I had an pus filled abscess yesterday morning when i woke up and then at about dinner time it drained itself without me even realising so obviously i swallowed it and didn't even notice.

Can swallowing this pus make me ill?
no worries, they drain naturally all the time  (+ info)

What is a home remedy for an abscess located in your mouth??

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I have allot of pain and a temperature from what I believe is an abscess, I was just needing some home remedies. It's located in my mouth on my gum...pain medicine isn't working, and my dentist can't see me anytime soon. I have tried baking soda, vanilla extract, peanut butter, and aspirin. So thanks for all the helpful tips..
i suggest the use of OraMD, it is a natural oral medication i have been using when i was beset with bad breath, gum disease and oral health problems. it worked great in keeping bad bacteria and signs of gum disease away. it is also be that you pay close attention to oral and dental health. gum disease can be dangerous for it can cause a host of medical issues later on if left untreated. better maintain proper oral hygiene by proper brushing and flossing every after meal. regular visits to the dentist is very important to be taken for granted.  (+ info)

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