Patient's question:
I personally don't feel any symptoms, but the abdominal pain was discovered during an ultrasound. The child is 11 years old, 162 cm tall, and weighs 70 kg. They went to the hospital for tests, and the results showed no hepatitis A, B, or C, but the ALT level was 240 and the hepatitis B antibody was 260. I don't know what's going on. The doctor didn't prescribe any medication and suggested dietary and exercise weight loss. What should I do in this situation? Should an 11-year-old child take any medication?Doctor's answer:
Hello, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an important indicator of liver function tests, primarily reflecting liver damage. The main reasons for elevated ALT levels include non-pathological and pathological causes. Non-pathological reasons mainly involve excessive and long-term alcohol consumption, frequent staying up late, irregular lifestyle, etc., which can lead to liver function decline and elevated ALT levels.Additionally, various liver diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis are the most common causes of elevated ALT levels. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit a formal liver disease hospital for a detailed examination to identify the best treatment for elevated ALT levels.
Elevated ALT levels may also be caused by the following factors: taking sleeping pills, antibiotics, cold medicines, diabetes medications, or high blood pressure medications can temporarily raise ALT levels; conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and lupus can also lead to elevated ALT levels; myocardial infarction and gallstones may also cause elevated ALT levels.
Therefore, your elevated ALT levels must be taken seriously. It is crucial to avoid self-medication with enzyme-lowering drugs and to undergo scientific and standardized treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor. At the same time, rational dietary regulation should be carried out.