Liver enzymes are special proteins that perform functions inside the cells of your liver. If your liver becomes inflamed, damaged or infected, these proteins start to leak out into the bloodstream and cause higher than normal amounts to appear in your blood work. Many different reasons exist for elevated liver enzymes -- and each cause requires a different approach for treatment. Some require lifestyle changes and some require medication. If you are concerned about the function of your liver, make an appointment with your doctor and have an honest discussion about how you can protect this vital organ.
Alcoholism
Drinking too much alcohol can cause damage to your liver and elevate your liver enzymes. Alcohol can cause any of your liver enzymes to increase. The way to lower your liver enzymes in this case is to stop drinking alcohol. Although elevated liver enzymes do not necessarily point to permanent liver damage, ignoring them can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure if you continue with heavy alcohol abuse.
Medications
Your liver processes many medications, which can cause inflammation and irritation if they are toxic to the liver tissues. Some liver toxic medications include the statin drugs such as lovastatin, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics and some seizure medications. If possible, discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to different medications to protect your liver. Do not stop taking a medication on your own without first consulting your doctor.
Obesity and Fatty Liver
If you are overweight, fatty deposits can accumulate on your liver and cause inflammation and damage. In this case, you will have elevated liver enzymes with no other discernible cause. Your doctor might prescribe an ultrasound, CT scan or a liver biopsy to determine the cause of your chronically abnormal blood levels. Treatment includes weight loss, vitamin E, and a medication called ursodiol to lower your liver enzymes.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, C and autoimmune hepatitis can cause elevated liver enzymes. Each disease attacks the liver in a different way, causing inflammation and damage. Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver that is often mild and resolves on its own. Hepatitis B is a severe infection of the liver and can lead to chronic liver failure and possibly the need for a transplant. Hepatitis C has no symptoms other than elevated liver enzymes and a serum antibody assay for the disease. No treatment is necessary for mild forms, but more virulent forms of the disease might need more aggressive treatments. Autoimmune hepatitis involves your immune system attacking and destroying the liver. Immune suppression drugs are the treatment for this type.
Other Causes
Elevated liver enzymes have many other causes -- and the approaches to treating them vary. Hemochromatosis, which causes elevated liver enzymes, is a genetic disorder that causes your body to store too much iron. Wilson's disease is another genetic disorder that deals with copper excretion that also affects the liver. Celiac disease, gallbladder disease, heart attack, hypothyroidism, liver cancer, mononucleosis and pancreatitis can all cause elevated liver enzymes.
