Call
+918447748545

Published on: Aug 18, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Liver Function Test

A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of various enzymes and proteins in your blood. These substances are produced by the liver, and they can be a sign of liver damage or disease.

There are a number of different liver function tests (LFTs) that can be used to assess the health of your liver. The most common ones are Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine Transaminase (ALT).

Bilirubin is a pigment that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can be a sign of liver damage or disease.

ALP is an enzyme that is produced in the liver. High levels of ALP in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease.

There are a few different types of liver function tests, but they all basically measure the same thing: how well your liver is functioning. The most common liver function test is called the serum blood panel. This measures the levels of enzymes in your blood that are produced by the liver. These enzymes include:

- ALP (alkaline phosphatase): This enzyme helps with the digestion of fats and is increased when there is damage to the bile ducts.

- ALT (alanine transaminase): This enzyme helps with the breakdown of amino acids and is usually elevated when there is damage to hepatic cells.

- AST (aspartate aminotransferase):

The liver function test is a common medical test that is used to evaluate the health of your liver. The test measures levels of enzymes in your blood that are found mainly in the liver. Enzymes are proteins that help with chemical reactions in your body. When something is wrong with the liver, these enzymes can be released into the blood, where they can be detected by the Liver Function Test. Some of the things that can be checked with this test include hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and fatty liver disease. It can also give clues about other problems such as an toxins or alcoholism. The test is usually done as part of a routine checkup or when someone has symptoms that might be related to liver.

There are a few different liver function tests that your doctor may order, depending on your individual situation. These tests can help to assess how well your liver is functioning and whether or not there is any damage present.

There are a few different liver function tests (LFTs) that your doctor may order, depending on what they suspect might be going on with your liver. The most common LFT is the alanine transaminase (ALT) test. This measures the level of an enzyme called ALT in your blood. ALT is normally found in liver cells, so high levels of it in your blood can indicate liver damage. Other LFTs that may be ordered include the aspartate transaminase (AST) test, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, and the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test. A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of enzymes in your blood. These enzymes are produced by your liver and help to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. There are several different types of liver function tests, but the most common one is the alanine transaminase (ALT) test.

ALT is an enzyme that is involved in metabolizing amino acids. When your liver is damaged or inflamed, it releases Jazz hands advertising internships high levels of ALT into your bloodstream. The ALT test can be used to detect liver damage or disease. The normal range for ALT varies depending on your age and sex, but it is generally between 20 and 40 IU/L

There are a number of different liver function tests that can be performed, each of which can give useful information about the status of the liver. The most common liver function tests are the serum glycated albumin test, the serum alkaline phosphatase test, and the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)test.

The glycated albumin test measures the level of a specific type of sugar (glucose) that is bound to albumin, a protein found in the blood. This test provides an indication of how well the liver is able to process glucose.

The alkaline phosphatase test measures the level of an enzyme that is produced by the liver. This The liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your liver. These substances are normally present in the liver in small amounts. But if your liver is damaged, these substances can leak into your bloodstream and increase the level of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.

There are several different liver function tests, each of which measures different enzymes or proteins. The most common liver function tests are the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test.

Read Blog

Common Respiratory Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of illness across all age groups. They affect the respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, airways and lungs. While many respiratory infections are mild and self-limiting, some can become severe, especially in vulnerable populations.

Most respiratory infections are viral; antibiotics are not always required unless bacterial infection is confirmed.

In Common Cold vs Flu, add

Flu is usually more severe, with sudden fever, marked fatigue, and body aches.

Add COVID-19 mention briefly under respiratory infections list as an important viral infection

Understanding common respiratory infections, their causes and prevention strategies is essential for protecting lung health and preventing complications.

What Are Respiratory Infections?

Respiratory infections occur when viruses, bacteria or other pathogens infect the respiratory system. They are broadly classified into:

upper respiratory infections
lower respiratory infections

Upper respiratory infections affect the nose and throat, while lower respiratory infections involve the lungs and bronchi.

Common Types of Respiratory Infections

Common Cold

The most frequent respiratory infection, caused by viruses.

Symptoms include:

runny or blocked nose
sore throat
sneezing
mild cough

Influenza (Flu)

A viral infection that may cause more severe symptoms than the common cold.

Symptoms include:

high fever
body aches
fatigue
cough

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

Symptoms include:

persistent cough
chest discomfort
mucus production

Pneumonia

A serious lung infection affecting air sacs.

Symptoms include:

fever
breathlessness
chest pain
productive cough

Sinus Infections

Infection of the sinus cavities.

Symptoms include:

facial pain
nasal congestion
headache

Causes of Respiratory Infections

Viral Causes

Viruses are the most common cause of respiratory infections and spread easily.

Bacterial Causes

Certain infections like pneumonia and sinusitis may be bacterial and require medical treatment.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to:

air pollution
smoke
allergens

can weaken respiratory defences.

Weakened Immunity

Low immunity increases susceptibility to infection.

How Respiratory Infections Spread

Respiratory infections commonly spread through:

coughing and sneezing
close personal contact
contaminated surfaces
crowded environments

Poor ventilation increases transmission risk.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Seek medical advice if experiencing:

high or persistent fever
difficulty breathing
chest pain
bluish lips or nails
prolonged cough

Early care prevents complications.

Why Respiratory Infections Are Common in Certain Seasons

Seasonal factors such as:

cold weather
monsoon humidity
indoor crowding

increase infection spread.

Who Is Most at Risk?

High-risk groups include:

infants and children
elderly individuals
pregnant women
people with asthma, COPD or heart disease

Extra precautions are essential for these groups.

Prevention of Common Respiratory Infections

Maintain Good Hand Hygiene

Regular handwashing reduces transmission.

Follow Respiratory Etiquette

Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Proper ventilation reduces airborne spread.

Stay Vaccinated

Vaccination protects against infections like influenza and pneumonia.

Strengthen Immunity

Balanced diet, adequate sleep and physical activity support immune health.

Avoid Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke

Smoke damages airway defence mechanisms.

Role of Nutrition in Respiratory Health

Adequate intake of:

vitamins
minerals
antioxidants

supports immune response and lung health.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early identification:

reduces disease severity
prevents complications
limits spread

Timely care improves recovery.

Long-Term Impact of Recurrent Respiratory Infections

Repeated infections may lead to:

chronic cough
reduced lung function
increased vulnerability to future illness

Prevention protects long-term respiratory health.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical evaluation is recommended if:

symptoms worsen
recovery is delayed
breathing difficulty occurs

Prompt care reduces risk.

Conclusion

Common respiratory infections are widespread but largely preventable. Viruses, bacteria, environmental exposure and weakened immunity contribute to their development. Understanding symptoms, causes and prevention strategies helps individuals take early action and protect lung health. By practising good hygiene, staying vaccinated, improving immunity and seeking timely medical care, the risk of respiratory infections and their complications can be significantly reduced.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Respiratory Infections and Prevention Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Acute Respiratory Infection Reports
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – Respiratory Disease Surveillance
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Infection and Lung Health Studies
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – Seasonal Respiratory Advisory
Statista – Global Respiratory Infection Trends

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.