Ask a doctor - What happens when LFT is high?

Q. What happens when LFT is high?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

When your liver function test (LFT) comes back showing elevated levels, it's a signal that something might not be quite right with your liver. Your liver is like a powerhouse in your body, performing many crucial functions like processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing essential proteins. So, when your LFT results are high, it could mean several things:

1. Liver Damage: Elevated LFT levels often indicate some degree of liver damage. This damage could be caused by various factors like excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections (like hepatitis), fatty liver disease, or even certain medications.

2. Inflammation: Inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis, can also cause LFT levels to rise. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses, autoimmune diseases, or as a result of excessive alcohol or drug use.

3. Biliary Obstruction: Sometimes, LFT levels can be elevated due to blockages in the bile ducts, which are responsible for carrying bile (a substance that helps in fat digestion) from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. This obstruction can occur due to gallstones, tumors, or other conditions affecting the bile ducts.

4. Fatty Liver: If your liver is accumulating too much fat, a condition called fatty liver disease, it can also lead to elevated LFT levels. This condition can be caused by obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or excessive alcohol intake.

5. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause liver enzymes to rise, indicating liver stress or damage. It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you're taking, as they can affect LFT results.

6. Other Liver Conditions: There are various other liver conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, or genetic disorders that can lead to elevated LFT levels.

When your LFT results come back high, your healthcare provider will typically delve deeper to determine the underlying cause. This might involve further tests, imaging studies like ultrasounds or MRIs, or even a liver biopsy to assess the extent of damage or inflammation. Treatment will depend on the specific cause identified, and it may include lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions to support liver health and function.

Remember, while elevated LFT levels can be concerning, they're not always indicative of a severe problem. Sometimes, they can be temporary or result from factors like recent alcohol consumption or certain medications. However, it's crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to understand the underlying cause and take appropriate steps to protect your liver health.

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.