Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes High Ammonia Levels In The Liver?

My brother is in the hospital with severely low sodium levels and high ammonia levels from his liver. He is exhibiting all of the signs of Encephalopathy. He has never been an alcoholic at all, but does take medicine for epilepsy, blood pressure and some psych. drugs for schizophrenia. He is very disoriented, is weak, and extremely tired. The doctors say his sodium level has risen in the past 24 hours from 120 to 123, but his ammonia level is still very high. Any suggestions? YYYY@YYYY
posted on Fri, 20 Oct 2017
Twitter Wed, 19 Sep 2018 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 21 Sep 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

An elevated ammonia level (or hyperammonaemia) in the blood is usually due to liver dysfunction, either because of a genetic problem with the enzymes that metabolize ammonia or because of acquired liver disease, for example from alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis.

It may be due to liver failure caused by drugs etc.

It is treated with laxatives and gut suppression of ammonia-producing bacteria with Rifaximin.

Use tab. Hepamerz. If symptoms not improved please get it done liver function tests, virological markers or kidney function tests.

Please consult your physician/gastroenterologist, he will examine and treat you accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu,
Internal Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes High Ammonia Levels In The Liver?

Hi, An elevated ammonia level (or hyperammonaemia) in the blood is usually due to liver dysfunction, either because of a genetic problem with the enzymes that metabolize ammonia or because of acquired liver disease, for example from alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis. It may be due to liver failure caused by drugs etc. It is treated with laxatives and gut suppression of ammonia-producing bacteria with Rifaximin. Use tab. Hepamerz. If symptoms not improved please get it done liver function tests, virological markers or kidney function tests. Please consult your physician/gastroenterologist, he will examine and treat you accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu, Internal Medicine Specialist