{"id":14614,"date":"2020-04-03T07:26:34","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T07:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14614"},"modified":"2021-05-07T16:40:44","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T16:40:44","slug":"14-frequent-symptoms-of-gilbert-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-frequent-symptoms-of-gilbert-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Frequent Symptoms of Gilbert Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gilbert\u2019s Syndrome otherwise known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice, which is a mild inherited gene mutation in your liver.  In this condition, the liver cannot fully process a compound called bilirubin.  Bilirubin is a yellowish substance in your blood. It forms after red blood cells break down, and it travels through your liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract before being excreted into your urine and feces.  As per the study, Gilbert\u2019s Syndrome affects three to seven percent of people in the United States.  And Gilbert\u2019s Syndrome is more common in men than women.
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If you have Gilbert syndrome, bilirubin builds up in your bloodstream, which will then lead up to a condition called hyperbilirubinemia. This hyperbilirubinemia condition will manifest in the result of a blood test.  It simply means you have high levels of bilirubin in your body. In many cases, high bilirubin is a sign that there is something wrong going on with your liver function. However, in Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, your liver is typically otherwise normal. Gilbert\u2019s syndrome is not a harmful condition and does not need to be treated, though it may cause some minor problems.
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Some people with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome also find that drinking alcohol makes their symptoms worse. For some people, even one or two drinks can make them feel sick shortly after drinking. Some may also have what feels like a hangover for several days. Alcohol can temporarily raise bilirubin levels in people with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome.
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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HAVING GILBERT\u2019S SYNDROME?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gilbert\u2019s syndrome does not always cause noticeable symptoms. In fact, 30 percent of people with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome may never have any symptoms. Some people with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome never even know they have it.   You might not know you have Gilbert’s syndrome until it is discovered by accident, such as when a blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels. Often, it is not diagnosed until early adulthood.  Generally speaking, Gilbert\u2019s syndrome requires no treatment.
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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GILBERT\u2019S SYNDROME<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. JAUNDICE<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most common symptom of Gilbert\u2019s syndrome.\u00a0 Jaundice is the condition wherein you can observe occasional yellowing of the skin and the white parts of your eyes.\u00a0 The cause of the discoloration of the skin and white parts of the eye is due to the increased bilirubin <\/a>level in the blood.\u00a0 The discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes will vary depending on the levels of bilirubin. Bilirubin is the waste material found in the blood.\u00a0 Moderate levels of bilirubin may lead to yellow color, while very high levels will appear brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, jaundice can happen to people of all ages and is normally the result of underlying conditions.  About 60 percent of all infants born in the United States have jaundice. Jaundice normally indicates a problem with the liver or bile duct.  An inflamed liver or obstructed bile ducts can lead to jaundice as well. Aside from yellow tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes, dark-colored urine and itchiness may also show.
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To rule out more-common liver conditions, your doctor may order a complete blood count and liver function tests.  The combination of normal blood and liver function tests and elevated bilirubin levels is an indicator of Gilbert’s syndrome. No other testing usually is needed, although genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gilbert’s syndrome doesn’t require treatment. The bilirubin levels in your blood may fluctuate over time, and you may occasionally have jaundice, which usually resolves on its own with no ill effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. NAUSEA AND VOMITING<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is an unpleasant diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort.\u00a0 This is often perceived as an urge to vomit. While it is not a painful experience, it can be debilitating symptoms if prolonged.\u00a0 This has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, upper abdomen or back of the throat. Some people with Gilbert\u2019s Syndrome may experience headaches and dizziness <\/a>which will eventually lead to nausea.\u00a0 And depending on the severity of the symptoms, the person suffering from this uneasy condition may also experience vomiting at the end. Vomiting is a condition of a forceful contraction of the stomach to come up through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting have a lot of underlying causes and often occur simultaneously.\u00a0 In fact, such conditions can be associated with a lot of illnesses or diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to rule out the cause of nausea and vomiting so as to properly address the condition. As an assessment, the patient may require to undergo several examinations like examination of the mouth and pharynx to see if thrush or ulceration is present.  Abdominal examination like auscultation for bowel sounds, palpation of abdominal masses, and observation of degree of distention. Blood examination is also very important since this is the starting point of assessment. Review of films as to radiography of appropriate suspected body parts.
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There are a large number of medications that can be used in the short-term management of nausea and vomiting.  But of course, non-pharmacological intervention strategies may also be applied in conjunction with medications like progressive muscle relaxation, music therapy, exercise, yoga, and massage.  Dietary modification strategies can be also helpful in reducing the risk of nausea and vomiting while maintaining nutrition. Examples of dietary modification strategies include offering only dry foods throughout the day; rinsing the patient\u2019s mouth after eating; giving bland, soft, easily-digestible food for min meals; and positioning the patient upright while eating and one-hour post-meal. Similarly, reducing environmental stimuli may help lessen the risk of external triggers.  Strategies include avoiding cooking aromas, avoiding overly warm rooms, and ensuring good ventilation.
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3. IRRITABLE BOWEL MOVEMENT<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome may experience common digestive disorders such as diarrhea or constipation.\u00a0 Diarrhea <\/a>is a condition wherein a person may frequently pass stool which is characterized as an abnormally loose or watery bowel movement.\u00a0 On the other hand, constipation is a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no definitive diagnostic laboratory test for irritable bowel movement.  Assessment may likely to start with a complete medical history, physical examination and some laboratory tests to rule out the condition like complete blood count (CBC).  The test can help confirm the disease if the main symptom is diarrhea. But clinical scientists are still studying how well the test works when constipation is your chief complaint.  Sometimes the results remain to be inconclusive. For this reason, the patient may require to do more other tests to find out the root cause of your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for treatment, doctors focus on relieving the symptoms so that the person can live as normally as possible.  Mild symptoms can often be controlled by managing stress and making changes in a patient’s diet and lifestyle such as avoiding trigger foods like oily foods; eating high-fiber foods; drinking plenty of water, regular exercise and getting enough sleep are just a few.  The doctor may also suggest taking medications like laxatives and other fiber supplements for constipation, while antidiarrheal and anti-cholinergic medications for people who have bouts of diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. SLIGHT DISCOMFORT IN THE ABDOMINAL AREA<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome condition may experience some abdominal discomforts or common digestive disorder that causes stomach cramps and bloating<\/a>.\u00a0 Most stomach aches are nothing serious and will go away after a few days. During stomach ache, bilirubin is elevated. These abdominal discomforts may occur secondary to other symptoms of Gilbert\u2019s syndrome-like diarrhea or constipation.\u00a0 Since it is said that in Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, the gene causes hyperbilirubinemia or elevated blood levels of bilirubin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This happens because of reduced activity by the enzyme glucuronyltransferase, which conjugates, or converts, bilirubin to a water-soluble form after it is released from red blood cells at the end of their 120-day lifespan.  When the bilirubin becomes water-soluble, the body excretes it in the bile into the duodenum and eventually out of the body in the stool. Therefore, proper and regular bowel movement of the person may minimize if not totally eliminate the experience of abdominal disorders. Proper hydration of the body is correlated to this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. FATIGUE<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome may suffer from extreme tiredness or fatigue. Fatigue <\/a>is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.\u00a0 This is not the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When a person is suffering from fatigue, that person has no motivation nor does he have energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue but definitely it is not the same thing.\u00a0 Aside from sleepiness, a person under this condition may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, sore or aching muscles, muscle weakness, slowed reflexes and responses, impaired decision making and judgment, and moodiness such as irritability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no standard way to assess fatigue. It can be measured objectively as well as subjectively.  Objective measurement of fatigue focuses on physiological processes or performance such as reaction time or a number of errors.  While, subjective assessment of fatigue includes diary studies, interviews, and questionnaires. There is what we call the Fatigue Scale, sometimes referred to as the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ).  This is a self-administered questionnaire for measuring the extent and severity of fatigue within both clinical and non-clinical epidemiological populations.
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A person suffering from fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness that is not relieved by rest and sleep and may have underlying conditions like Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, may be advised to often eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours rather than a large meal less often. Engaging in regular exercise will also be helpful in the long run, even a 15-minute walk can give the person an energy boost.  Losing weight is also recommended to gain energy. And having enough sound sleep will make the person stay alert throughout the day. Cutting out of caffeine and alcohol intake will also be suggested. While rehydration is recommended by taking more water for better and talking therapy will also be recommended to beat fatigue.
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6. ANXIETY<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For the fact that a person with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome experiences some feelings of discomfort, it is not surprising for them to get easily stressed emotionally or physically speaking.\u00a0 To define anxiety<\/a>, this is your body\u2019s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of overwhelming apprehension, worry, distress, or fear about what is to come or what is to feel. Anxiety attacks can vary greatly and symptoms may differ among individuals.\u00a0 Feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You may have a general feeling of fear and worry. Symptoms of a person suffering from anxiety include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness, trouble concentrating and difficulty falling asleep.\u00a0 Your anxiety symptoms might be totally different from someone else\u2019s. That is why it is important to know all the ways anxiety can present itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A single test cannot diagnose anxiety.  Instead, an anxiety diagnosis requires a lengthy process of physical examinations, mental health evaluations, and psychological questionnaires.  A person under this condition may be recommended to have blood tests and urine tests to rule out the underlying medical cause that could contribute to symptoms they are experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the underlying cause for anxiety was ruled out, the doctor may now explore treatment options.  For some people, medical treatment is not necessary. Lifestyle changes are more recommendable to cope up with the situation or condition.  For those people who will need medical treatment, typical medications like antidepressants and sedatives are being given. But for those recommending a change in lifestyle, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, staying active with regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and caffeine intake, quitting smoking habits and meditating will help eliminate the feeling of anxiety both physical and emotional aspects.
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7. EXERCISING VIGOROUSLY<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person under the condition of Gilbert\u2019s syndrome may trigger the unnecessary elevation of the bilirubin level in the blood by engaging oneself in vigorous exercise<\/a>. \u00a0 It is so because high total bilirubin that is mostly unconjugated (indirect bilirubin) may be caused by strenuous exercise. Just as in Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, there is a deficiency of an enzyme that helps to process the bilirubin.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate liver damage or disease. Higher than normal levels of direct bilirubin in your blood may indicate your liver is not clearing bilirubin properly. One common and harmless cause of elevated bilirubin is Gilbert\u2019s syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, exercise can significantly affect your blood test results most especially when it comes to liver enzymes. This is so because the liver acts primarily as a filter. It is heavily involved in detoxification of heavy metals, drugs, and other toxicities. The liver also dramatically affects metabolism, helping to regulate decomposition of red blood cells, plasma synthesis, and hormone production.  It is therefore important to take into consideration one\u2019s involvement or engagement in the heavy exercise of a person with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. STARVATION<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is not advisable for a person with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome to suffer from starvation or the state of having no food for a long period of time. \u00a0 In fasting, it was found to have a statistically significant increase in the total serum bilirubin levels. The fasting time correlated positively with increased bilirubin <\/a>levels.\u00a0 As per the conducted study of 44- to 48-hour fasting, the total serum bilirubin (TSB) concentration progressively increases during the fasting hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This unnecessary increase in bilirubin again will be an issue to people with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome due to the fact that the liver cannot function normally in the breakdown of the compound called bilirubin. Therefore, it is not advisable for such a person to go under starvation so as to prevent the unwarranted bilirubin from increasing in the bloodstream causing jaundice to the individual.  The person with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome condition should observe proper and timely eating habits or eating routines so as not to compensate further for the liver condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. DEHYDRATION<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a condition that can occur when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.\u00a0 With dehydration<\/a>, more water is moving out of individual cells and then out the body than is taken in through drinking. Although water is constantly lost throughout the day as we breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate, we can replenish the water in our body by drinking fluids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body can also move water around to areas where it is needed most if dehydration begins to occur.  Water is a critical element of the body, and keeping the body adequately hydrated is a must that everyone should observe. Aside from increased bilirubin level in the bloodstream during dehydration of an individual with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, several symptoms from mild to life-threatening can become apparent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following are further signs and symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth, eyes stop making tears, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, weakness, and decreased urine output.  With severe dehydration, vital organs such as the kidney, intestines, heart, and brain will also be affected to function abnormally and will be put into risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. LACK OF SLEEP<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is an increased bilirubin level to patients with obstructive sleep apnea <\/a>in the morning–a possible explanation of induced heme oxygenase-1. \u00a0 Obstructive sleep apnea\u00a0(OSA) is the most common type of\u00a0sleep apnea\u00a0and is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during\u00a0sleep, despite the effort to breathe, and is usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. It was hypothesized that\u00a0apnea-related hypoxemia would induce HO-1 and increase\u00a0bilirubin\u00a0levels in the morning to a person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea\u00a0(OSA).\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep deprivation alters liver metabolism and fat content. Losing a single night\u2019s sleep may affect the liver\u2019s ability to produce glucose and process insulin, increasing the risk of metabolic disease such as hepatic steatosis and type 2 diabetes as well. Just in any other symptoms of Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, individuals under this condition should always observe proper sleeping habits of 6 to 8 hours a day in order to maintain the proper functioning of the liver or to maintain normal levels of bilirubin and prevent the onset of jaundice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. INFECTION OR BEING SICK<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Infection is the presence of a virus or its introduction into the body. Parasites <\/a>and viruses\u00a0can\u00a0infect the\u00a0liver, causing inflammation that reduces\u00a0liver function and as such expectedly, bilirubin will be elevated in the individual with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any infection that may affect the liver will further enhance the malfunctioning of the liver as far as the processing of the compound bilirubin is concerned. Examples of these infections that can further aggravate the abnormal functioning of the liver in Gilbert\u2019s syndrome are Viral infections other than common hepatitis viruses like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, which can sometimes cause elevation of liver enzymes as they can result in generalized body infection and liver inflammation. Non-viral infections of the liver are rare, but they can cause liver damage.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the liver plays an important role in host defense against invasive microorganisms that causes infection, it is just important for the individual with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome to protect their liver and body as a whole to any kind of infection, again so as not to aggravate the malfunctioning of their liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. RECOVERING FROM SURGERY<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Higher\u00a0Bilirubin levels\u00a0are associated with increased\u00a0postoperative\u00a0complications, however with no increase in mortality. Postoperative hyperbilirubinemia occurs frequently following surgery <\/a>and is associated with a poor outcome.\u00a0 Total bilirubin consists of direct bilirubin (D-Bil) and indirect bilirubin (I-Bil). Increased D-Bil is associated with hepatocyte excretory dysfunction, including hypoxic hepatocyte injury, sepsis-associated cholestasis, and drug-induced liver injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, increased I-Bil is related to various other conditions, including hemolysis and blood transfusion reaction. These different pathophysiologies suggest that D-Bil and I-Bil may have different associations with clinical outcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips for an individual to recover from a high level of bilirubin after post-operative surgery, this includes the following: Drinking at least eight glasses of fluids per day for proper hydration of the total body; consider adding milk thistle to the daily routine;  eating of fruits like papaya and mango, which are very rich in digestive enzymes so as to have a regular bowel movement; eat at least 2 \u00bd cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit per day in the daily meal; and include high-fiber rich foods such as oatmeal, berries, and almonds for proper intestinal function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. MONTHLY MENSTRUAL PERIOD<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What is Menstruation<\/a>? This\u00a0refers to the necrosis and expulsion of the proliferative endometrium after a failure of implantation of a viable, fertilized ovum. This menstruation\u00a0might also be a factor\u00a0in\u00a0sparking off higher\u00a0bilirubin levels. Some studies showed that some young women developed unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia that fluctuates with the menstrual cycle. They were otherwise healthy, and there was no evidence of hematologic or chronic liver disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serum unconjugated bilirubin rose concomitant with the rise of basal temperature during the premenstrual period, and it declined immediately after the end of menses. Administration of progesterone during the postmenstrual period elevated unconjugated bilirubin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A close relation of hyperbilirubinemia to female hormones was suggested. The condition may be called “constitutional unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia with a menstrual cycle.   Since the liver plays many important metabolic functions in the body, it is just apparent that the bilirubin level will normally be affected during the menstrual period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. COLD EXPOSURE<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bilirubin levels may increase with exposure to cold<\/a>. In many individuals, jaundice is only evident when one of these triggers raises the bilirubin levels. \u00a0 The rapid breakdown of red blood cells means that far more\u00a0bilirubin\u00a0than normal is produced during\u00a0cold exposure. The liver cannot process the\u00a0bilirubin\u00a0as fast as it is being released, and this causes the skin and eyes to acquire a yellow-orange tint.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since in Gilbert\u2019s syndrome the obvious defect of liver function is to process the breakdown of a compound called bilirubin, which is then the byproducts of red blood cells. To prevent the unnecessary elevation of bilirubin levels to people with Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, the person should always keep oneself warm at a comfortable temperature and if the weather is quite cold, exposure to sunlight will help the individual to have the right body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in doing so, the person will also help the liver to function normally thereby preventing the appearance of jaundice.  If you have Gilbert\u2019s syndrome, you might notice these symptoms more if you do things that can further increase your bilirubin levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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