High level of Total Bilirubin?

[megankxthleen]

I'm an 18 year old female and just got lab work back, stating that I have a 1.25 level of "Total Bilirubin." Are there any risk factors associated with this, and how do I go about lowering this?

[outmyroom]

Bilirubin is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells and is excreted in bile (used by liver to absorb fats) and urine. The only thing that bilirubin should do is give you a yellow discoloration. I have high direct and total bilirubin and my doc said it is no problem. I sometimes have yellow discoloration in eyes. The only thing that more bilirubin means more production of bile which means more work by the gallbladder (place where bile is stored) which means we have a higher affinity for gallstones.

[Xfitchick]

If your lab uses the same units as in the EU (µMol/l) then that is a low value. It should be below 17. Bilirubine is the breakdown product of red bloodcells and is normally removed via the gall bladder and the liver. Only if the value is too high, it may indicate a problem with the bladder or the liver.

[Anonymous]

Talk to your doc...

[megankxthleen]

Really? Why would you even comment? I didn't ask for anyone to state the obvious. She's on vacation right now, so I can't - hence the reason I'm asking on here to see if anyone does know.