Amylase is a special enzyme that takes part in the breakdown of carbohydrates. This substance is produced in the pancreas and some other organs, for example, in the salivary glands. By determining the level of amylase in the blood, various diseases of the digestive system can be detected. An increase in the enzyme can be detected both in a urinalysis and in a blood test. If amylase is elevated, this is considered an alarming symptom, talking about diseases in the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
Human blood contains two types of alpha amylase: S-type and P-type. Urine contains about 65% P-type, and blood - up to 60% S-type. To avoid confusion, P-type alpha amylase in the urine is called diastase. Urine amylase levels are ten times higher than blood amylase activity.
Determine the concentration of amylase in the blood using a biochemical blood test. To ensure the result is as reliable as possible, it is recommended to take an analysis in the morning on an empty stomach, and also not to drink alcohol before the test. The normal blood amylase content in both women and men is from 25 to 125 U / L.
In the same way, one can determine the level of pancreatic amylase, the normative indicator of which is up to 50 U / L. It is optimal when, in blood biochemistry, the rate of pancreatic amylase tends to zero. This indicates not only the excellent activity of the pancreas, but also the absence of inflammatory and stagnant processes in it.
Determine amylase in the urine using morning urine (medium). Before you take this analysis, you should abandon the use of fatty and spicy foods for several days.
Amylase elevated: causes
The amylase enzyme is found in the digestive tract and should not enter the bloodstream. However, if an organ that contains amylase is damaged, it can enter the bloodstream. The reasons for this can be many: from physiological, associated with a particular disease, to mechanical (with strokes received in the abdomen).
The increased content of this enzyme is one of the main indicators in the diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Also, alpha amylase is increased with a tumor in this gland or stones in its ducts, which disrupt the outflow of the enzyme. At the initial stage of the course of the disease, the patient may not notice a deterioration in well-being, however, if symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain that give into the back appear, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
An increase in amylase can also indicate a disease of the salivary glands - the so-called “mumps” or mumps. This viral disease is characterized by damage to the cells of the parotid salivary gland with amylase entering the bloodstream. Its main signs: visible edema in the parotid region of the face, dry mouth, ear pain and fever. Basically, “mumps” is a disease that affects children.
Amylase is increased in case of acute peritonitis or inflammation of the abdominal cavity, as well as with appendicitis. These diseases are characterized by nausea, vomiting, acute pain in the abdomen, which increases when pressed, as well as fever and severe weakness.
Perforation of a stomach ulcer (duodenal ulcer), renal failure or diabetic acidosis can also be the reasons that blood amylase is elevated.
High activity of amylase in the urine is observed in inflammatory processes in the liver, cholecystitis and intestinal obstruction. Alcohol poisoning, an ectopic pregnancy and a complication of diabetes can also cause an increase in the rate.
Amylase can also be increased due to the use of drugs such as morphine, various diuretics and oral contraceptives.