Gilbert’s Syndrome (GS) is an inherent disease of the liver. It is a harmless genetic condition in which the liver enzyme (the protein molecule) becomes abnormal and cannot properly process bilirubin..
Gilbert’s Syndrome (GS) is an inherent disease of the liver. It is a harmless genetic condition in which the liver enzyme (the protein molecule) becomes abnormal and cannot properly process bilirubin (waste due to worn out-red blood cells). It is generally due to a reduced number of chemicals in the liver. People with this disease experience elevated levels of bilirubin pigment, which may lead to yellowing of eyes and skin. It is a genetic condition and is examined when you take a blood test and that reveals high bilirubin levels.
![Symptoms](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Gilbert's Syndrome/Symptoms.jpg)
Symptoms of GS are not clearly identified in elevated levels of bilirubin. Most of the people don’t come to a realisation of having it, because the bilirubin levels mostly stay within normal limits and rarely rise – that too slightly, to an extent that is tolerable. However, substances that are glucuronidated by the affected enzymes could cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in concentration
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain and itching without rashes
![Causes](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Gilbert's Syndrome/Causes.jpg)
The only cause of Gilbert’s Syndrome is an abnormal gene from either parent. It affects the liver and gives birth to an excessive amount of bilirubin. A gene in the liver controls enzyme which breaks down the bilirubin. A person with an abnormal gene stores a large amount of bilirubin. The syndrome is caused by:
- Lack or deficiency of the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase enzyme or UGT.
- A change of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase gene – a faulty gene.
![Risks](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Gilbert's Syndrome/Risk.jpg)
The main risk factors of this disease are:
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Restlessness
![Prevention](https://www.medanta.org/storage/disease-image/Gilbert's Syndrome/Prevention.jpg)
Gilbert’s Syndrome cannot be prevented as it is inherited, However, the following can help control the symptoms:
- Balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol
- Manage stress
- Avoid junk food
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