Gilbert's disease, or the so-called non-hemolytic familial jaundice, is not a very common disease, which is accompanied by a violation in the human body of the exchange of bilirubin pigment, as a result of which it accumulates in the tissues. It is worth noting that the disease is hereditary and cannot be completely cured. Nevertheless, for most patients, the prognosis is positive - such a disease with proper correction rarely affects life expectancy.
Gilbert's disease: symptoms and causes
As already mentioned, this disease is hereditary and is associated with a violation of the enzymatic metabolism of the bilirubin pigment. Statistics say that approximately 2-5% of the world's population has a similar diagnosis. It is interesting that men are sick almost ten times more often than women.
In most cases, the first symptoms appear even in childhood or adolescence. The most striking sign is the development of yellowness of the skin and sclera of the eyes. Most often, symptoms start after severe stress or nervous overwork. For example, it is noted that in adolescents jaundice appears as a result of mental overload during an examination session, etc. This group also includes heavy physical exertion.
Yellowness may occur for other reasons. Progression of the disease can be triggered by a decrease in the functioning of the immune system (for example, during a cold). Risk factors may also include starvation, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, drug use, and certain medications.
In most cases, yellowness appears on the skin of the face and sclera of the eyes. In some cases, skin on the palms, feet and armpits may also be covered.
In about half the cases, jaundice is not a single symptom. Many patients complain of lack of appetite, persistent nausea, frequent belching, flatulence, and stool disturbance. More rarely , Gilbert's disease is accompanied by constant weakness and discomfort in the liver. In any case, you should seek medical help.
Gilbert's disease: modern diagnostic methods
Although such a disease is rarely accompanied by any serious complications, medical care is simply necessary for the patient. The danger lies in the correct differential diagnosis, because this syndrome can quite easily be confused with hepatitis and other liver diseases.
Of course, the patient must pass some tests. If liver disease is suspected, a general and biochemical blood test, as well as a study of feces and urine, are indicated. Unfortunately, modern diagnostic methods such as tomography and ultrasound are unlikely to be useful for making a diagnosis. Therefore, special tests have been developed.
For example, fasting is a fairly effective check. If the patient limits the amount of food or completely refuses food for 1-2 days, a significant increase in free bilirubin will be detected in a blood test. For the same purpose, injections of nicotinic acid or rifampicin can be used.
Occasionally, a doctor may prescribe a liver tissue biopsy.
Gilbert's disease: treatment
In most cases, the disease proceeds cyclically - periods of exacerbation are replaced by long periods of remission. Unfortunately, Gilbert's disease cannot be completely cured.
With a benign course of the disease, treatment is required only during the period of exacerbation. At this time, the doctor may prescribe medications that eliminate excess pigment and return bilirubin metabolism back to normal. If the disease is accompanied by inflammation of the gallbladder, an accumulation of bile, then it is advisable to take choleretic drugs. During an exacerbation, the patient needs bed rest and a sparing diet.
As a prophylaxis, patients are shown the correct mode of work and rest, sparing nutrition. In most cases, patients who comply with all the doctor's recommendations live to a very old age.