Bilirubin is a yellow-hued byproduct that forms due to a breakdown of old or worn-out red blood cells.
Many people with Gilbert syndrome will be asymptomatic, meaning they have no noticeable signs of the condition.
Augustine Gilbert and Pierre Lerebullet first mentioned Gilbert syndrome in medical literature in 1901.
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How Does Gilbert Syndrome Make You Feel?
Instead, some researchers believe they may simultaneously occur due to the presence of other conditions or illnesses.
What Causes Gilbert Syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is agenetic, inherited condition, which means its passed down through families.
The onset of the syndrome may be associated with the hormonal changes that occur with puberty.
Aside from a genetic variant, there are no other known causes of Gilbert syndrome.
How Is Gilbert Syndrome Diagnosed?
Although Gilbert syndrome may be present at birth, its not likely to be diagnosed until around puberty.
These blood tests may reveal a slight increase in levels of bilirubin without the presence of symptoms.
Though the syndrome is lifelong, it rarely has a significant impact on your overall health.
Furthermore, it doesnt increase your risk of developing liver disease or other complications.
Coping
Certain medications, like cholesterol-lowering drugs, may exacerbate jaundice.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, that you may be taking.
The genetic variants that cause Gilbert syndrome may make some individuals more susceptible to toxicity from certain medications.
People may have no symptoms or mild symptoms and treatment is often not necessary.
Minimizing stressful events and conditions that may trigger jaundice may help keep the condition at bay.
Remember that jaundice tends to go away on its own and life expectancy isnt impacted by the condition.
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