Gilbert Syndrome – What is it, Causes and Symptoms!
Gilbert Syndrome – What it is, Causes and Symptoms of this condition that many still do not know. In addition, Gilbert Syndrome , also known as Constitutional Liver Dysfunction, is a genetic disease that is characterized by jaundice, leaving individuals with yellow skin and eyes.
Gilbert Syndrome is not considered a serious disease, nor does it trigger major health problems, a patient with Gilbert Syndrome lives as long as a non-carrier and with the same quality of life.
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Gilbert Syndrome is a disorder in bilirubin metabolism that consists of an increase in bilirubin levels (hyperbilirubinemia) that can fluctuate over time.
Causes: It is an inherited disease caused by an abnormal gene.
- This gene controls an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin in the liver.
- With an ineffective gene, too much bilirubin builds up in the blood.
- Gilbert Syndrome is not transmitted from person to person and is not an infectious disease.
Symptoms: Most people who are affected are unaware that they have this disease. Bilirubin levels usually remain within the normal range and in rare cases increase slightly.
The main symptom of Gilbert’s Syndrome is jaundice: a shade that tends to yellow in both the eyes and the skin when bilirubin levels tend to rise. The symptoms of Gilbert Syndrome may become more evident in the case of:
- Illness;
- Infection;
- Dehydration;
- Stress;
- Fast;
- Fatigue;
- Menstruation;
- Training too hard (excessive effort);
- Although bilirubin levels almost never reach dangerous levels, the jaundice that occurs can be disturbing.
Gilbert Syndrome can occur with these symptoms:
- loss of appetite;
- Nausea;
- Fatigue;
- Weakness;
- dark urine;
- Abdominal pain.
Treatment: It is basically a harmless condition where treatment may not be necessary at all. Many people are in fact unaware that they have the condition. Gilbert Syndrome is usually detected when a routine or unrelated blood test reveals an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood.
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Since elevated bilirubin levels are seen with some other more severe conditions as well, it is important to assess cases of high bilirubin and exclude the presence of other conditions that need therapy.