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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
a “little bilirubin” in my urine
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.
a “little bilirubin” in my urine
by elicash, Jul 21, 2006 12:00AM
Hello Dr. - I have a question regarding some tests I recently had. I am a 30 year old white male and have never used IV drugs or had intercourse with anyone who has, I also do not have any tatoos. On noon Tues (following a friday and sat. of heavy drinking) I became ill and for Tues evening and most of Wed morning I had body aches and a fever between 101.5-104.1. I went to see a Dr. that afternoon when my fever dropped to 100 and she said I probably had a virus but did some blood/urine tests just to be sure it wasn’t bacterial ect. The results indicated there was something present that “could” be bacterial and as a precaution I am on an antibiotic for 10 days. She also said my platelets where a little low but it was nothing to be worried about and there was a “little bilirubin” in my urine. “to be safe” she asked to do a full blood workup which I will get back on Tues. Anyway the next day (thursday) I felt fine - my fever and body aches where gone and today I feel normal.
My question is – does the small presence of bilirubin in my urine combined with the (albeit brief) illness indicate I have or likely have hepatitis? From what I have read I haven’t seen any other explanation of why bilirubin could be there. I have read normal urine does not contain bilirubin but does the presence of bilirubin in urine always or usually indicate hepatitis (specifically B or C). Or are there other explanations.
My Dr. said she didn’t suspect Hepatitis (although its included in the tests I will receive on Teusday) and I shouldn’t be concerned but I am not aware of anything else that could cause bilirubin in the urine. Is this something that can happen with a case of the flu ect ?
I appreciate your counsel.
My question is – does the small presence of bilirubin in my urine combined with the (albeit brief) illness indicate I have or likely have hepatitis? From what I have read I haven’t seen any other explanation of why bilirubin could be there. I have read normal urine does not contain bilirubin but does the presence of bilirubin in urine always or usually indicate hepatitis (specifically B or C). Or are there other explanations.
My Dr. said she didn’t suspect Hepatitis (although its included in the tests I will receive on Teusday) and I shouldn’t be concerned but I am not aware of anything else that could cause bilirubin in the urine. Is this something that can happen with a case of the flu ect ?
I appreciate your counsel.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 22, 2006 12:00AM
, Jul 22, 2006 12:00AM
Blockages of the biliary tract can lead to bilirubin in the urine. Also, various liver diseases - including hepatitis - can also lead to this.
The blood tests for hepatitis are reasonable. I would also pursue an abdominal ultrasound to image the liver, gallbladder and to determine if there is any biliary duct dilation (suggestive of blockage).
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.
kevinmd_
The blood tests for hepatitis are reasonable. I would also pursue an abdominal ultrasound to image the liver, gallbladder and to determine if there is any biliary duct dilation (suggestive of blockage).
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.
kevinmd_
my results came in early (yesterday) - and in the words of my physician "everything looks normal" - at this point she thought a checkup in a month to make sure everything stayed that way was the best course ...
additionally, I did not test positive for any form of Hepititis ... so is this this best course of action or should the presence of biliribin in my urine signal somthing that needs to be adressed immediately.