Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Another ALT Question
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Another ALT Question
by WorriedSick1981, Nov 06, 2005 12:00AM
Recently went for a chem panel and found out that my ALT was elevated. I think the number was 90. My doctor thought this might be an error so I took a retest 2 days later and my ALT level went down to 69. Because of this drop he thinks the cause is benign and told me not to worry about it. All my previous bloodwork has been normal up until this point. I was sick with flu like symotms around the time I took the test and my docor stated that transient elevations in ALT levels can be caused by a recent viral illness or sudden change in diet; which describes me to a T. He also stated that this is something benign and we would just do another retest in 3 months. I get bloodwork done all the time because I am on a drug called Humira. However when searching through the web an Elevated ALT is associated with only liver diseases. Do you think it is likely that I have something serious? I also tested nonreactive for hep and my doctor told me I tested negative for B and C. I am very concerned about this. I think I may be readin to much info on the net and it's driving me nuts. I am a 28/m who drinks socially and smokes ocassionaly.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 07, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 07, 2005 12:00AM
It is true that a viral illness can transiently raise the ALT level. Repeating the test would be a reasonable option.
If the elevation persists, testing for hepatitis should be done (which you have already had). You can consider an abdominal ultrasound to image the liver and gallbladder.
Persistantly marked elevation of ALT may warrant a liver biopsy.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
If the elevation persists, testing for hepatitis should be done (which you have already had). You can consider an abdominal ultrasound to image the liver and gallbladder.
Persistantly marked elevation of ALT may warrant a liver biopsy.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments
by terry1974, Nov 27, 2005 12:00AM
can a gallbladder not working properly raise the alt level.
