Gilbert’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Gilbert’s syndrome, a genetic liver disorder, affects your liver’s ability to process bilirubin. Your liver breaks down old red blood cells into substances like bilirubin, which is excreted in the stools and urine. In people with Gilbert syndrome, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, leading to a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. This phrase might appear in the outcome of a blood test. However, your body has elevated quantities of bilirubin. High bilirubin levels indicate that something is wrong with your liver, which is normal with Gilbert syndrome.

What is Bilirubin?

Bile, a digestive fluid created by the liver that aids in the body’s absorption of fat, contains bilirubin. The digestive system includes the liver. As a result, blood pollutants are removed, lipids are digested, and glucose (a blood sugar) is stored as glycogen for energy.

Causes

Gilbert’s syndrome is primarily caused by a hereditary alteration in a gene responsible for regulating how the liver processes bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. Under normal conditions, the liver converts bilirubin into a water-soluble form so it can be excreted through bile. However, in individuals with Gilbert’s syndrome, this process is inefficient due to a reduced level of the necessary liver enzyme.

This genetic variation slows down the liver’s ability to clear bilirubin from the bloodstream, leading to periodic increases in bilirubin levels, especially during physical stress, fasting, illness, or exertion. These episodes may trigger mild jaundice or other temporary symptoms.

The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means a person must receive two copies of the altered gene, one from each parent, for the syndrome to develop. Even then, many people with the gene mutation may never experience noticeable symptoms, suggesting that additional environmental or physiological factors may influence whether the condition becomes apparent.

Despite its impact on bilirubin processing, Gilbert’s syndrome is considered harmless and doesn’t cause long-term liver damage or lead to more serious conditions.

Signs or Symptoms

Approximately 1 in 3 people with Gilbert’s syndrome don’t exhibit any symptoms. Then, after having blood tests to look for another issue, they discover that they have the condition.

The most typical symptom among people who have symptoms is jaundice, which is brought on by high amounts of bilirubin in the blood. Although it can make the whites of your eyes and skin yellow, jaundice is not hazardous.

Occasionally, individuals with Gilbert’s syndrome or jaundice will also experience the following:

• Dark-coloured stool or urine
• Difficulties focusing
• Dizziness
• Digestive issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and pain in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Flu, such as fever and chills
• Decrease in appetite

What Makes Symptoms Worse?

These things can cause Gilbert’s syndrome sufferers to have elevated bilirubin levels, which can result in jaundice:

• Dehydration
• Fasting or missing meals
• Infections or illnesses
• Menstruation
• Overexertion (too much physical exercise)
• Stress

Diagnosis

Gilbert’s syndrome is a hereditary disorder that manifests at birth. Until high bilirubin levels are found via blood tests, it frequently goes undetected. A diagnosis is most frequently made when people are in their teens or early 20s and have blood testing for another reason.

You could get, in addition to a blood test

Bilirubin levels are measured as part of liver function tests, which evaluate how effectively your liver is functioning.

Genetic tests are used to check for the gene mutation that causes Gilbert’s syndrome.

How the Modified Gene is Passed through Families

The modified gene that results in Gilbert syndrome is widespread. This gene is present in many people in one copy. Gilbert syndrome. Two modified copies often cause Gilbert syndrome.

Gilbert syndrome is a condition that exists from birth but is typically not diagnosed until adolescence or later because bilirubin production rises during this time. You’re more likely to develop Gilbert syndrome if you:

• The altered gene that causes the illness is carried by both of your parents.
• Gilbert syndrome is caused by low levels of the bilirubin-processing enzyme, which may also give some medications more negative effects because it helps your body get rid of them.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

You can also alter your way of life in several ways to assist in preventing symptoms, such as getting lots of rest:

• Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. As close as you can, adhere to a set routine.
• Avoiding engaging in prolonged, vigorous exercise. Keeping challenging workouts brief (under 10 minutes). Try to engage in light to moderate activity for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Keep yourself hydrated. This is crucial during physical activity, in hot weather, and in the case of illness.

Gilbert syndrome lifestyle changes and natural treatments include:

• Healthy eating and frequent exercise can reduce stress.
• Acquiring other stress-relieving techniques, like meditation, reading, or listening to music.
• Drinking no alcohol.

What Inquiries Should I Make of My Physician?

You might wish to question your doctor:

What caused Gilbert’s condition in me?

• Do I require medical care?
• How much time does jaundice last?
• Should genetic tests be performed on my family members to look for Gilbert’s syndrome?
• Should I keep an eye out for complications?

These are a few measures you can take; however, always consult with an expert.

Who to Consult for Gilbert’s Syndrome?

Gastroenterologists will help you diagnose Gilbert syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions