What could cause abdominal pain with elevated GGT levels?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 36 years old. I never had an alcohol-drinking habit, but my GGT level is 147 IU/L. I have had burning pain on the left abdominal side for 15 years. I consulted specialist doctors, but they said it might be due to gastritis and had medications for the same. However, I am still having abdominal pain. What could be the reason? Is there treatment available for this condition?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

1. Is your abdominal pain on the left side only?

2. Are you overweight or obese?

Obesity can cause an increase in isolated GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) levels. But we need to rule out other possible causes for elevated GGT levels. For example, it can rise in cholangitis as well as cholecystitis. Please give me more details of your history.

Also, it is important to know if you have pruritis and if your bowel habits are normal. The abdominal pain could be due to gastritis if you have burning pain in the upper abdomen after meals or on an empty stomach. It can be confirmed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, but first, please give me the details I asked for so that we can identify the cause of increased GGT levels. I would also advise a few tests depending on your history.

Thank you.