Numerous conditions can cause slightly elevated liver enzymes. According to MayoClinic.com, elevated liver enzymes suggest that your liver is inflamed or has experienced some sort of damage. Damaged or inflamed liver cells may leak their contents---including liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase---into the bloodstream. MayoClinic.com states that, in most cases, a mild increase in the levels of liver enzymes is a temporary phenomenon that self-resolves.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can cause a mild increase in your liver enzymes. According to the FamilyDoctor.org, hepatitis A causes inflammation of the liver, leading to soreness and swelling in the affected area. Hepatitis A differs from other types of hepatitis because it is less serious and usually does not progress to chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Hepatitis A often spreads via contact with infected feces, although a person can also be infected through close contact, such as sexual intercourse, with an infected person, even if that person is not experiencing any symptoms. FamilyDoctor.org states that hepatitis A is most contagious before symptoms manifest. Common signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis A include elevated liver enzymes, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, low-grade fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, decreased appetite, muscle pain and itching.
Obesity
Obesity is a common condition that can cause a slight increase in your liver enzymes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the words "overweight" and "obesity" are labels for weight ranges that are greater than what is usually considered healthy for a given height. The overweight and obese weight ranges are associated with an increased risk of developing certain diseases and other health problems, including liver problems, notes the CDC. Common signs and symptoms linked to obesity include mildly increased liver enzymes, difficulty sleeping, snoring, back and joint pain, excessive sweating, inability to tolerate heat, skin rashes or infections, shortness of breath with exertion, fatigue, and depression. According to MayoClinic.com, certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of becoming obese, including genetics, a family history of obesity, your age, quitting smoking, and certain social and economic issues.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which resembles alcoholic liver disease but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol, can cause a slight elevation of your liver enzymes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have fat in their liver, along with liver inflammation and damaged liver cells. The severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease varies from person to person, but in some cases, this condition can lead to cirrhosis, or permanent scarring, and damage of the liver. The NIDDK notes that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects about 2 to 5 percent of people in the United States, although 10 to 20 percent of Americans have fat in their liver. Common signs and symptoms associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease include mildly elevated liver enzymes, fatigue, pain in the upper right abdomen and weight loss. According to the NIDDK, you may benefit from avoiding alcohol, increasing physical activity, and following a balanced and healthy diet.
