How to Diagnose Gilbert's Syndrome

Gilbert's Syndrome, pronounced "jeelbear," is a genetic condition. It affects the way the liver processes bilirubin, a natural waste resulting from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. The syndrome causes jaundice but is normally benign. This article will help you recognize the common symptoms and get a diagnosis for this condition that affects 5% of the population. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for mild jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Episodes of jaundice will appear and recede throughout life because the liver cannot process the yellow-colored bilirubin fast enough.

• 2

  Notice any fatigue or abdominal pain. Doctors do not yet know how abdominal pain is linked to Gilbert's Syndrome.

• 3

  Expect symptoms to appear more prominently during times of stress, exertion, infection and illness, fasting and after drinking alcohol.

• 4

  Find this genetic syndrome occurring more frequently in the same family and usually affecting more males than females. Symptoms usually present after puberty.

• 5

  Get an indirect bilirubin blood test to check for liver problems. Four hours prior to the test, fast and stop taking medication and caffeine to avoid interfering with the test results. Doctors can usually diagnosis Gilbert's Syndrome easily with this test and will rarely need to take a liver biopsy.