Gilbert's disease: causes, symptoms and treatment

Gilbert's disease, or so-called non-hemolytic family jaundice - is not a very common disease, which is accompanied by a violation in the human body of pigment metabolism of bilirubin, as a result of which it accumulates in tissues. It is worth noting that the disease is hereditary and does not lend itself to complete cure. Nevertheless, for the majority of patients the prognosis is positive - a similar disease with a correct correction rarely affects the life span.

Gilbert's disease: symptoms and causes

As already mentioned, this disease has a hereditary nature and is associated with a violation of the enzymatic metabolism of the bilirubin pigment. Statistics say that about 2-5% of the world's population has a similar diagnosis. It is interesting that men are sick almost ten times more often than women.

In most cases, the first symptoms appear even in childhood or adolescence. The brightest sign is the development of jaundice of the skin and sclera of the eyes. The most common symptomatology is triggered after severe stress or nervous overwork. For example, it is noted that in juvenile jaundice appears as a result of mental overload during the examination session, etc. To the same group can be attributed and heavy physical exertion.

Yellowness may also appear for other reasons. Progression of the disease can be triggered by a decrease in the work of the immune system (for example, during a cold). Risk factor can also be fasting, malnutrition, alcohol abuse, use of drugs and a number of drugs.

In most cases, jaundice appears on the skin of the face and sclera of the eyes. In some cases, skin areas on the palms, feet and underarms may also be covered.

In about half the cases, jaundice is not a single symptom. Many patients complain of lack of appetite, constant nausea, frequent eructations, flatulence and stool disruption. Much less often Gilbert's disease is accompanied by constant weakness and discomfort in the liver. In any case, you should seek medical help.

Gilbert's disease: modern diagnostic methods

Although such a disease is rarely accompanied by any serious complications, medical assistance to the patient is simply necessary. The danger lies in the correct differential diagnosis, because this syndrome can be easily confused with hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Certainly, the patient is obliged to hand over some analyzes. If a liver disease is suspected, a general and biochemical blood test is shown, as well as examination of feces and urine. Unfortunately, such modern diagnostic methods as tomography and ultrasound are unlikely to be useful for diagnosing. Therefore, special tests were developed.

For example, a fairly effective test is starvation. If the patient limits the amount of food or completely refuses food for 1-2 days, a significant increase in free bilirubin will be found in the blood test. For the same purpose, injections of nicotinic acid or rifampicin can be used.

Occasionally, a doctor may prescribe a biopsy of liver tissue.

Disease of Gilbert: treatment

In most cases, the disease proceeds cyclically - periods of exacerbation are replaced by long periods of remission. Unfortunately, Gilbert's disease can not be cured completely.

In the benign course of the disease, treatment is required only during the period of exacerbation. At this time, the doctor can prescribe drugs that eliminate the excess pigment and return the exchange of bilirubin back to normal. If the disease is accompanied by inflammation of the gallbladder, the accumulation of bile, then it is advisable to take cholagogue. During an exacerbation the patient needs a bed rest and a sparing diet.

As a preventive measure, patients are shown the correct mode of work and rest, sparing food. In most cases, patients who follow all the doctor's recommendations live to a very old age.