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Could Chest Cold Elevate GGT Levels In Blood?
i am a male 50 years old, my ggt is 162. my doctor is sending me for an ultrasound. when i went for my blood work i had a bit of a chest cold. do you think that would raise my ggt levels? just wondering because even though i was a regular drinker when i was younger, i only have a few drinks a week. let me know. thx.
Tue, 2 May 2023
Hi,
GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) is a liver enzyme that is often used to evaluate liver function. While GGT levels can be elevated due to excessive alcohol intake, they can also be elevated due to other factors such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, medications, and infections.
A chest cold by itself is unlikely to significantly elevate GGT levels. However, certain medications that are commonly used to treat cold symptoms, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can cause liver damage and elevate GGT levels. Additionally, if the chest cold is accompanied by other factors that affect liver function, such as underlying liver disease or heavy alcohol intake, then GGT levels may be elevated as a result.
Therefore, it is important to follow up with your doctor and undergo the recommended tests, including the ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause of the elevated GGT levels. Your doctor may also advise you to abstain from alcohol and avoid medications that can affect liver function until the cause of the elevated GGT levels is determined.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) is a liver enzyme that is often used to evaluate liver function. While GGT levels can be elevated due to excessive alcohol intake, they can also be elevated due to other factors such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, medications, and infections.
A chest cold by itself is unlikely to significantly elevate GGT levels. However, certain medications that are commonly used to treat cold symptoms, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can cause liver damage and elevate GGT levels. Additionally, if the chest cold is accompanied by other factors that affect liver function, such as underlying liver disease or heavy alcohol intake, then GGT levels may be elevated as a result.
Therefore, it is important to follow up with your doctor and undergo the recommended tests, including the ultrasound, to determine the underlying cause of the elevated GGT levels. Your doctor may also advise you to abstain from alcohol and avoid medications that can affect liver function until the cause of the elevated GGT levels is determined.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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