My 15 yr old son high ast/alt

My son has been a very healthy child/teen. He is physically fit and eats healthy. He has never had to go to the doc for any reason other than normal routine yearly exams. He has never needed an antibiotic. So I am finding it strange that he had high levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST. Alt is the higher of the two.
The doc drilled him on alcohol use which I firmly believe he does not drink any alcohol, his friends stay here sometimes but he never stays at thier houses, and we do not keep any in the house. I dont think hes perfect but he does have his priorities in order. Also is it correct that if it were alcohol the ast would be higher than the alt?After he was doubted by the doc we finally decided to press on with hepititis (hepatitis) tests and recheck the levels.
Does any one know if I should be more concerned than I am about these levels? Especially given his age and clean medical history?

Thanks Kate

[CalGal]

What were the levels? Is there any history of gallbladder issues in your family? Has he been experiencing any pain or changes in bowel habits? Is he on any medications at all including asprin or the like?

[ronandkate]

They are mild/moderate..he said 2-3 x's as high as they should be. I do not kow the exact #. He has no pain or bowel problems and takes no meds. He was in for a yearly exam and they found the levels high. My son does not appear sick at all in any way.

[CalGal]

Check this: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050315/1105.html

As you can see, the doc is 'jumping' to the same conclusion as most docs would based on your son's age and what is 'drummed into' them. But 2-3x could suggest alcohol, although other things should be looked at. I know you say he eats well, but is he carrying extra weight?

This will give you the 'leading' culprits. Check through and see what you think. If you need help with the wording, ask.

[ronandkate]

No he is 5 ft 5 and weighs about 127 he is a football player. I only let them eat the regular hot lunches at school...and I am one who checks thier lunch account to be sure they follow the rules. I cook dinner every night, a healthy 4 coarse meal, and he eats instant oatmeal or bagels usually for breakfast. Hes a stay home kind of kid so I am pretty sure alcohol is out of the question since he is with us prob 95 percent of the free time he has.
Thanks for the link I will check it out!!

[ronandkate]

thanks, it was informational

[CalGal]

Another thought, does he ever get rashes?

[ronandkate]

when he was a small child he used to get hives often,  but very rarely now. He did have them about 2 mos ago but by the time we had gotten in to see a doc they were getting better so we did not treat them other than calmine lotion. he did go through allergy testing about a month ago, thats when they took the blood work. He has a dust allergy, and is supposed to take allegra d but I do not want him starting it until we know his enzyme levels are ok

[CalGal]

In some, elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of celiac disease. Just a thought.

[ronandkate]

Do you think he should start on the allegra d or am i right in thinking it could raise his enzyme level, I had told the doc I want to wait and see what his 2nd set of tests read.

[CalGal]

I really can't advise you on what you should do. You should use your best judgement. You know your son better than anyone does.