Gilbert's syndrome - a man at risk - What happens in the body?

What happens in the body?

Medicine has not yet learned to fully deal with hereditary diseases, however, in most cases, care for such patients can be helped, so be aware of a host of human hereditary diseases should. Sometimes the signs of hereditary diseases manifest themselves immediately, but after some events that gave rise to its first manifestation.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin - a brick-red pigment contained in bile. Bilirubin is formed from hemoglobin - iron compounds to the protein that is found in red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood, identifying their color. It decomposes hemoglobin in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Normally bilirubin is always present in blood plasma in the form of direct (1/4 of total bilirubin) and indirect (3/4 of total bilirubin), bilirubin, and together they constitute a total bilirubin levels.

In the decay of hemoglobin initially formed indirect bilirubin, it is called indirect because in the laboratory study gives red color immediately, but after pre-treatment with ethanol. Then, in the liver of indirect bilirubin by the enzyme glyukoroniltransferazy binds to glucuronic acid to form a straight line (connected) bilirubin (at the laboratory study it immediately gives red color), which enters the bile ducts and output together with the bile into the intestine. In the intestine, the bilirubin undergoes a series of changes and is displayed together with the feces.

In a laboratory study bilirubin usually indicates the amount of total (norm to 20 5 mol / l) and direct (normal up to 3, 4 mol / L) bilirubin and indirect can be calculated by subtracting the first digit of a second.

Increasing the amount of bilirubin in the blood causes icteric staining of the skin and sclera (jaundice), it adversely affects the internal organs and tissues, especially the brain. If the disease is associated with an increased erythrocytolysis in which stands out a lot of hemoglobin (for example, blood incompatibility of mother and fetus) that increases the amount of indirect bilirubin. If it affects the cells of the liver (eg, hepatitis), blockage of the bile ducts (stone, tumor - this is called obstructive jaundice) increased direct bilirubin content.

What is Gilbert's syndrome and how it manifests itself

Gilbert's syndrome - a hereditary disease that appears slight increase in blood levels of indirect bilirubin and jaundice. This is due to a violation of bilirubin metabolism due to decreased activity of the enzyme glyukoroniltransferazy (broken converting indirect bilirubin into direct).

For the first time a violation of bilirubin metabolism has been described in the early twentieth century French physician Gilbert. Gilbert's syndrome most often occurs in African men suffer from them about ten times more often than women.

The disease is most often seen in young and early adulthood, often after suffering a viral hepatitis and acute respiratory viral infections (ARI). This disease is characterized by light, changing the intensity of jaundice, weakness, fatigue, discomfort in the right upper quadrant, violations of the chair, the manifestations of varying degrees of changes in the blood vessels and autonomic nervous system (recurring heart, "jumps" blood pressure, shaking hands) , stomach ache Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms , A slight increase in liver size.

Icteric staining of the skin does not occur in all patients, not accompanied by itching it is often light yellow skin unnoticed. Jaundice can be amplified after a heavy physical exertion, stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis , Any acute illness, after fasting or any toxic effects (eg alcohol). On the face may appear telangiectasia - small spots shaped reticula or stars, filled with a network of small and prominent blood vessels under the skin. The disease chronic, with exacerbations.

Diagnostics

Gilbert's disease in blood plasma increases the amount of total bilirubin by indirect. Total bilirubin may increase up to 50 mmol / l, and in exacerbation of diseases to 140 mmol / l. Despite the increase in the number of indirect bilirubin, increased red blood cell destruction process not observed, it is said that there are no signs of hemolytic disease. To clarify the diagnosis of liver puncture is performed, to the exclusion of other forms of liver disease. Indirectly disease Gilbert confirmed samples from fasting (during starvation dramatically increases the amount of bilirubin in the blood), and phenobarbital (receiving phenobarbital stimulates the activity of the enzyme glyukuroniltrasferazy and lowers the level of bilirubin).

Treatment

In the special treatment of patients with Gilbert's syndrome do not need. It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet (excludes fatty, fried, spicy food, alcohol, fasting), drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous exercise and stress.

When exacerbation prescribe cholagogue, antispasmodic (extending bile duct) and sedatives, vitamins and minerals. At high numbers of bilirubin in the blood phenobarbital.

Gilbert's syndrome - this is not a serious disease and it occurs most often unnoticed.

How to cope with the disease Gilbert

The disease usually occurs in Gilbert's very easy manner. This genetic disease is spread quite widely, especially among men. Its main feature is the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood of patients with Gilbert's syndrome. It can not be completely cured, but it is possible to control the symptoms.

• When symptoms of jaundice is useful to drink 1-2 glasses of tomato juice a day - the acidity of the juice neutralizes toxins in the liver, causing jaundice.
• Pour a glass of water 8 almonds, two dried dates and cardamom, and leave overnight. In the morning, drain the water, remove the bones of dates and rub all to a paste by adding 5 grams of butter and sugar. Take a paste inside, to alleviate the symptoms of Gilbert.
• Boil barley cup in three liters of water for three hours. Drink 1-2 cups of broth per day. Enzymes help to break down the barley toxins in the liver.
• Several times a day, drink water with lemon juice.
• To prevent lethargy and anemia, which sometimes appear when the disease Gilbert, eat more foods rich in iron - spinach, broccoli, asparagus and meat.
• Drink less coffee and limit sugar intake.
• Drink herbal teas such as chamomile pharmacy - its enzymes help relieve stress and promote deep, restful sleep Dreams: how to understand our dreams .

How to prevent disease Gilbert

Gilbert's syndrome - a genetic disorder of the liver, occurring predominantly in males and is characterized by the inability of the liver to process bilirubin properly. To prevent it, as well as any genetic disease, it is impossible, but there are ways to prevent the appearance of its symptoms as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

• Do not skip meals and avoid the strict dietary restrictions, such as post. This will keep your immune system strong enough to prevent an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood.
• Avoid dehydration. It is also important to maintain the normal operation of all body systems.
• Avoid stressful and traumatic situations. If this is not possible, use relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, Meditation - treats the body and the spirit , Yoga.
• Avoid very strong physical exertion, as they too contribute to the levels of bilirubin in the blood.