Amylase in the blood is increased

Imagine how much the body contains all sorts of useful substances and trace elements, it is not easy. Have you ever heard of an enzyme like amylase, for example? And this substance actually plays a vital role in the body. A decrease or increase in amylase in the blood is a sign of the presence of certain problems, which it is very undesirable to neglect.

Role of amylase in the body

Amylase is one of the most important digestive enzymes. It promotes the breakdown of carbohydrates. Amylase takes part in digestive processes, and therefore its level in the body should always be normal. Otherwise, you have to deal with problems with digestion.

The normal level of the enzyme in the body varies from 28 to 100 units per liter - for alpha-amylase and from 0 to 50 units - for pancreatic. Usually the test, whether the amylase in the blood is not increased, is carried out in parallel with the study of urine. And both analyzes must be taken simultaneously for a reliable result. The blood for the study is taken from the vein. To hand over the analysis it is necessary since morning, before it not having breakfast. In particularly difficult situations, the examination is performed immediately after the patient's treatment, while the doctor must take into account the time of day and the amount of food taken.

Why is amylase raised in the blood?

Analyzes for amylase are prescribed for suspected cysts, tumors, pancreatitis, pancreatic diseases. Although ideally a regular examination, including the analysis of amylase, would not hurt anyone.

Various factors can cause the enzyme to deviate from the norm. So, for example, the most frequent reasons for increasing amylase in the blood are the following:

  1. Very often the enzyme jump is the consequence of an attack of acute pancreatitis . The level of amylase in this case can increase several times. It is impossible to judge the severity of the disease by the amount of the enzyme, but the fact that elevated amylase is a sign of pancreatitis is a fact.
  2. In patients with diabetes, alpha-amylase in the blood is often elevated.
  3. They are accompanied by an increase in amylase problems with the gallbladder and bile ducts. Often in patients with elevated enzyme levels, cholecystitis is diagnosed.
  4. An increase in amylase can occur after mechanical exposure. For example, if the patient received a blow to the peritoneum before the study, the probability that the results of the analysis will be distorted is large enough.
  5. Elevated amylase in the blood test is with kidney failure or the presence of stones.
  6. Sometimes the active production of digestive enzymes is due to diseases of the salivary glands.

In addition, amylase is increased due to excessive alcohol consumption, shock or severe stress. Negative on the body can affect the intake of certain drugs:

What if I have elevated levels of amylase in my blood?

Amylase is an enzyme that the body must work out independently. Of course, there are ways to help stimulate this process, but on health they can affect negatively. Only the specialist will be able to choose the most sparing and effective treatment.

The main condition for selection of treatment for high content of amylase in the blood is a complete examination. After determining the exact diagnosis, the treatment is selected based on the immediate cause of the problem - that is, the disease that caused the increase in amylase. Of course, for each patient the treatment course is selected individually - depending on the state of health and the stage of the disease.