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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
What could be the cause of my elevated ALT enzymes?
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.
What could be the cause of my elevated ALT enzymes?
by Ve, Aug 28, 1998 12:00AM
I am a 30 year old male with a history of gastritis. Recently I began having chest pains, feeling weak when I would first wake up in the mornings and sometimes shortness of breath. I continued to have the "gastritis" from time to time.
After a thorough check up with a cardiologist...even an echocardiagram...it was discovered that I have no cardiac problem. During the course of the blood workup, I noticed that the test on my liver shows many elevated enzymnes. The ALT is 234.2 but I noticed that the normal
level is 8.0-53.0. My cholestrol is 283. It seems as though I suffer the gastritis attacks from 3:00-6:00 am. It is extremely painful in my upper abdomen and even into my chest and back.
I drank heavily for about 5 years...but have not drank for the past 8 years. Could drinking only for five years cause the ALT levels to be so high? What are some other possiblities? I would appreciate any help or insight you could give me.
Thank you!
____________
Dear Vee,
The chest and abdominal pains that you refer to as gastritis may actually be symptoms of esophageal reflux. I would try some lifestyle modifications that can improve reflux: eat 3 meals, no snacks; avoid alcohol, cigarettes, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, acidic foods; sleep with the head of the bed elevated approx 4-6 inches; do not lie down for 3 hours after eating.
The increased liver tests are probably not rtelated to your abdominal pain. I agree with you that the alcohol that you drank several yesrs ago is not the cause for your current liver elevations. Possible explanations for the increased ALT include: fatty liver, chronic viral hepatitis C infection; and autoimmune hepatitis. You should dioscuss with your physician the possibility of obtaining the necessary blood tests to exclude these different possibilities.
This information is presented for ducational purposes only. Always cosnsult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: gastritis, esophagitis, hepatitis
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