Many conditions can cause mildly elevated liver enzymes. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, mildly elevated liver enzymes can indicate serious underlying health problems or be caused by temporary and benign conditions. Substance abuse, certain medications and certain medical conditions can all cause a mild increase in liver enzymes. Depending on the cause of problem, increased liver enzymes may be managed with medications or lifestyle modifications.
Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis can cause mildly elevated liver enzymes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hepatitis is a serious inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a virus. Other possible causes of liver inflammation include an overactive immune system, drug abuse, chemicals and environmental toxins. The UMMC states that, in the United States, viral hepatitis usually manifests as hepatitis A, B or C. Hepatitis D and E are uncommon among Americans. Common signs and symptoms associated with viral hepatitis include mildly elevated liver enzymes, fever, painful muscles and joints, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and mild anemia. Hepatitis A is the most common form of hepatitis, although hepatitis B and C can affect people of all ages. According to UMMC, each type of hepatitis has its own causes and risk factors.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a common cause of mildly elevated liver enzymes. MayoClinic.com states that alcoholism is a chronic disease in which a person's body becomes dependent on alcohol. A person with alcoholism loses control over his drinking, including when he drinks and how much he drinks. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing alcoholism, including steady drinking over time, starting drinking at an early age, being male, having a family history of alcoholism, being depressed and certain social and cultural factors. Common signs and symptoms associated with alcoholism include mildly elevated liver enzymes, feeling a strong need or compulsion to drink, nausea, sweating and shaking when not drinking, irritability, blacking out and drinking alone or in secret. According to MayoClinic.com, possible complications associated with alcoholism include liver disorders, digestive problems and heart disease.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a common cause of mildly elevated liver enzymes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis resembles alcoholic liver disease, yet it occurs in people who consume little or no alcohol. NASH is characterized by fat in the liver, liver inflammation and liver damage. The NIDDK states that most people with NASH report feeling well and are unaware they have a liver problem. In some cases, however, NASH can be severe, leading to liver cirrhosis -- a condition in which a person's liver is permanently damaged or scarred and no longer functions properly. Common signs and symptoms associated with cirrhosis include fluid retention, intestinal bleeding and liver failure. According to the NIDDK, NASH affects 2 to 5 percent of Americans, and 10 to 20 percent of Americans have fat in their livers.
