1. Jaundice May Occur
A common symptom of Gilbert's disease, or Gilbert syndrome, is developing jaundice. Gilbert's disease is a largely harmless condition in which your liver can't process bilirubin correctly. If your bilirubin levels rise to higher-than-normal levels, you may notice that your eyes and skin look kind of yellow. This yellowing is called jaundice. Some people who have Gilbert syndrome find it disturbing to have a yellowish cast to their skin. An important point to remember is that it's not permanent and does not cause damage to your liver or the rest of your body.
2. Stomach Pain Is Possible
You may or may not experience abdominal pain if you have Gilbert's disease. Some people who are known to have this liver disorder report stomach pain, but it's difficult to determine whether the pain is caused by the condition or if other factors are involved. Symptoms of Gilbert's disease can be heightened if you don't eat, and fasting can sometimes make your stomach hurt. Being nervous or upset about your health can cause abdominal symptoms, as well. Speak to your doctor about your discomfort, so he can find the source and provide you with treatment options.
3. You May Be Asymptomatic
It's important to remember that most people who have Gilbert syndrome find out about it by accident, because many of them do not show any outward symptoms of this hereditary disease. If you have blood testing for other medical conditions and do have elevated bilirubin levels, your doctor may let you know that you have this disorder after checking for other illnesses. Even if you have been asymptomatic in the past, you can still exhibit symptoms, such as fatigue and jaundice, later in your life. Stress and skipping meals are two factors that can elevate your bilirubin levels, so it is recommended that you try to stay healthy to avoid Gilbert's symptoms.
