Causes of high bilirubin
High bilirubin levels can indicate a number of illnesses. Your symptoms and the outcomes of any additional tests will be taken into consideration by your doctor in order to make a more precise diagnosis.
Gallstones
Gallstones form in the gallbladder when chemicals like cholesterol or bilirubin solidify. Bile, a digestive fluid that aids in breaking down fats before they reach your intestines, is kept in your gallbladder.
Gallstone symptoms include:
- back pain between your shoulders or in your right shoulder
- discomfort in your upper right abdominal region or directly below your chest
- nausea and vomiting
Gallstones may develop if your liver has a disorder that causes it to produce too much cholesterol or if your body is already producing too much bilirubin. They could also be a side effect of a blood condition or a bile duct infection.
When your gallbladder is obstructed and unable to drain correctly, bilirubin builds up.