Should I completely refrain from alcohol if my liver enzyme levels are abnormal?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am regularly doing health check-ups, and my liver enzymes have always been normal. However, today my test showed ALT 55 U/L and AST 37 U/L. GGT and bilirubin levels are normal. I have drunk more than usual lately due to a lot of stress (I have a borderline personality disorder), and I also had intense training in the gym in the evening. Should I be concerned? Do I have to refrain from alcohol now? I want to attend a few important social events this week, and not going would probably further damage my mental state.
Thank you.
Hello
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have seen the attached reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Your ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) are raised. Still, they are very mildly high, and it is not significant enough for you to stop alcohol immediately and take urgent treatment. You can attend upcoming functions, but please try to cut down on alcohol wherever possible. Increased AST and ALT only mean ongoing inflammation in the liver. Since they are mild in your case, that means a mild inflammation is there, which can be due to alcohol, medicines, or fatty liver. The following measures are required to keep them under control.
1. Cut down on alcohol as much as possible (if you are drinking at functions, skip alcohol at home, and you got to balance it somewhere).
2. Avoid oily and spicy food.
3. Increase physical activity and get in shape if you are overweight.
4. Repeat liver enzymes after one week to monitor the trend.
Follow these measures and follow up after one month.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am skinny, and I do sports almost every day. I drink a couple of times per week, so I am unsure where else to cut. But I will try my best.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I suggest continuing physical activity. As you mentioned that your drinking has increased past few days, which was the reason I said to cut it down; otherwise, twice a week is fine. Have you done an ultrasound abdomen to make the correct diagnosis? And what about hepatitis B and hepatitis C?
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Why do I have excessive sweating after stopping the habit of alcohol drinking?
From 12 days, my father has fever, cough, joint pain, and elevated liver enzymes. What to do?
Can derangement in my liver enzymes be due to binge drinking?
Why am I having abdominal burning, throat pain, and diarrhea after alcohol drinking?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.