High Ammonia Levels
High Ammonia Levels In The Bloodstream
High ammonia levels in the bloodstream may signify a problem exists in either the:
Digestive system
Liver
Kidneys
Ammonia is toxic to the body, but there is always a certain level of ammonia in the bloodstream, as the production of ammonia is a natural bodily function.
If, however, for some reason the body is producing excessive amounts of ammonia, and these excessive amounts are not eliminated, high ammonia levels may occur.
Ammonia is produced as a waste product in the intestines, when protein is being broken down by bacteria. This is a normal part of the digestive process, where nutrients are being transferred into the bloodstream as digestion progresses.
Some of the ammonia which is produced will enter the bloodstream as well. As long as this ammonia remains within certain levels, which can vary somewhat from person to person, there is no problem.
Normal Levels - The amount of ammonia in our bloodstream, determined through blood testing and analysis, is measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl) and can vary from about 14 mcg/dl to as much as 150 mcg/dl.
The normal range for adults is 15 - 45 mcg/dl and for children 40 - 80 mcg/dl.
Newborns and infants have a much higher level, 90 - 150 mcg/dl, which is natural.
One reason that babies may have such a high level may result from the baby's blood type not matching its mother's blood type, but in general, babies do have these higher levels, which is a temporary condition.
Symptoms - High ammonia levels in adults, more than 45 mcg/dl or children, more than 80 mcg/dl could indicate a problem, however. There are not always symptoms pointing directly to such high levels, and an excess of ammonia is often discovered during blood tests taken as part of a diagnostic procedure, or simply during a routine medical checkup.
When symptoms do occur, they are apt to consist of feelings of being confused or unable to think clearly, and/or feelings of extreme sleepiness.
High ammonia levels may indicate liver disease, where cirrhosis, hepatitis or some other condition may be preventing the liver from producing the enzymes which allow it to convert ammonia into urea, which is then discharged from the body.
Kidney disease may also be the underlying cause, where the kidneys, which function to filter out toxins (such as ammonia) and eliminate these toxins as body waste, are not doing their job.
Heart failure can also factor into high ammonia levels. There is documentation indicating that a small percentage of those receiving lung transplants exhibit high ammonia levels if complications arise.
Water Is The Best Medicine - High ammonia levels in the blood can be treated, though of course an underlying cause, such as liver cirrhosis, must be dealt with as well.
The amount of ammonia in the bloodstream can be reduced however, by taking certain medications, generally diuretics.
The most effective remedy is simply one of drinking more water. As more urine is produced by doing this, more ammonia is discharged, and less finds its way into the bloodstream.
Herbal teas are often recommended, along with water, as the most effective home remedy for high levels of ammonia.
Unless someone is directly experiencing the symptoms most often associated with high ammonia levels, the condition is apt to go undetected for some time. If the high levels are the result of some other disorder, and other symptoms are present, the ammonia levels will likely become known as blood testing is done.
One of the reasons that taking a blood sample as part of a routine medical check-up is to measure the levels of ammonia, or any other component of the blood, to verify either that all is well, or a need for further testing and examination is warranted.