FAQ Category: high bilirubin in adults

While certain lifestyle changes can support liver health, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. A doctor should always be consulted to determine the cause of high bilirubin. Maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, and staying hydrated are generally good practices for liver health.  

The treatment for high bilirubin depends entirely on the underlying cause. If the cause is a blood disorder, treatment may involve managing the anemia or blood cell breakdown. If the cause is a liver disease, treatment focuses on managing the specific condition (e.g., antiviral medications for hepatitis, lifestyle changes for alcoholic liver disease). If the…

Not necessarily. While high bilirubin can be a sign of a serious underlying disease, it can also be a benign condition. For example, Gilbert’s syndrome is a common, harmless genetic condition that causes mildly elevated bilirubin levels, often without any symptoms.  

The most noticeable symptom of high bilirubin is jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes. Other symptoms can include: Dark urine (tea-colored) Pale or clay-colored stools Itching (pruritus) Fatigue and weakness Abdominal pain or swelling (depending on the cause) Nausea and vomiting

Normal total bilirubin levels in adults are typically between 0.3 and 1.2 mg/dL. Levels above this range are considered high, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia.