The presence of bilirubin in urine is usually a sign of liver problems and can be noticed by the dark yellow to orange color of the urine, confirmed by the urine test.
Bilirubin is a product of the degradation of hemoglobin, becomes soluble in the liver, is called direct bilirubin, transported to the bile ducts and intestine, where it undergoes a degradation process, and is eliminated in faeces as a steroid and in urine as urobilinogen. When there are problems with the liver or bile ducts, direct bilirubin returns to circulation and can leak through the kidneys and be removed into the urine. Learn more about bilirubin.
The main causes of bilirubin in the urine are
Hepatitis is one of the main causes of bilirubin in the urine, because due to inflammation of the liver, conjugated bilirubin cannot follow the normal elimination path, returning to circulation and can leak through the kidneys and be removed into the urine.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can occur due to a viral infection, recurrent use of medications or an autoimmune disease, with fever, headache, abdominal swelling and clear stools. In addition, when the disease is not identified and treated, there may be jaundice, in which the eyes and skin turn yellow. Here’s how to recognize the types of hepatitis.
What to do: If you suspect hepatitis, it is important to see your family doctor or hepatologist for diagnostic tests, such as hepatitis virus serology, liver enzyme assessment, and urine testing. By confirming hepatitis, your doctor may indicate the best treatment based on the type of hepatitis, which can range from rest and increased water intake, to the use of medications, such as interferon, for example.
In cirrhosis, there is chronic and progressive inflammation of the liver, which prevents the liver from performing its functions correctly. As the liver is degenerating, bilirubin cannot enter the bile ducts and intestines to be removed, returning to circulation and removing into the urine.
Liver cirrhosis can occur as a result of hepatitis, but is usually linked to frequent and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, excessive fatigue, unexplained weight loss, lack of appetite, muscle atrophy and kidney failure. Learn about the other symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver.
What to do: The treatment indicated by the family doctor or hepatologist for cirrhosis varies by cause, and most of the time it is advisable to discontinue the consumption of alcoholic beverages and adopt a suitable one that includes vitamin supplementation for nutritional deficiencies. . It is important that cirrhosis is identified and treated as soon as possible to prevent disease progression and therefore liver transplantation.
As in hepatitis and cirrhosis, in liver cancer, the organ is inflamed chronic degeneration, which promotes the elimination of direct bilirubin in the urine.
This type of cancer is most common in people who have fat in the liver or who frequently use anabolic steroids and symptoms appear when the disease is already at a more advanced stage, such as stomach pain, unexplained loss of appetite, excessive fatigue. , yellow skin and eyes and constant nausea. Learn how to identify liver cancer.
What to do: If liver cancer is suspected, it’s important to see your hepatologist for diagnostic tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound and CT scan, for example. In addition, some laboratory tests, such as measuring liver enzymes, may be indicated. If liver cancer is confirmed, your doctor may indicate surgical removal of the entire affected area and chemotherapy.
The presence of gallbladder stones can also cause bilirubin to appear in the urine. Due to the presence of stones, direct bilirubin cannot pass through the intestine and return to circulation, where it is filtered through the kidneys and removed in the urine.
Gallstones or gallstones occur due to changes in bile composition, which may be related to diet, lifestyle, and prolonged use of contraceptives. The main sign of gallbladder stones is biliary colic, which corresponds to severe pain on the right side of the stomach, as well as loss of appetite, diarrhea and yellow eyes and skin. Know the signs and symptoms of gallstones.
What to do: The most common treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder. Second, it is important that the person has a proper diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods and low in fat and frying.