What Is a Dangerous Level of Bilirubin in Adults?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. Usually, your liver takes care of bilirubin and gets rid of it through your poop. But if you have too much bilirubin in your blood, it could mean something's not right, especially with your liver or bile ducts. 

Knowing what a dangerous level of bilirubin is in adults can help doctors catch problems early and provide you with the necessary treatment quickly.

What Is Bilirubin?

Bilirubin is what gives bile its yellow color. It comes from the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is in old red blood cells. After that, the bilirubin goes to the liver. There, it turns into a form that dissolves in water and is eventually excreted through the bile into the digestive system.

There are two main kinds of bilirubin: 

• Unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin, which has yet to be processed by your liver.
• Conjugated (direct) bilirubin, which your liver has already processed and is ready to be removed from the body.

Note: A total bilirubin blood test checks for both direct and indirect forms. 

 

Normal Bilirubin Levels in Adults

For healthy adults, the normal amount of total bilirubin in the blood usually falls within this range: 

Type	Normal Range
Total Bilirubin	0.3-1.2 mg/dL
Direct Bilirubin	0.1-0.3 mg/dL
Indirect Bilirubin	0.2-0.8 mg/dL

Note: These values can vary depending on the laboratory from which you get tested. 

What Is Considered a Dangerous Bilirubin Level?

If adults have bilirubin levels higher than 2.0 mg/dL, that's usually considered too high and can lead to jaundice, which makes their skin and eyes turn yellow.

Here's a table to help you understand bilirubin levels:

Bilirubin Level	Possible Interpretation
1.3-2.0 mg/dL	Mildly elevated, may not show symptoms
2.1-5.0 mg/dL	Moderate; likely to show signs of jaundice
Above 5.0 mg/dL	High; needs urgent medical intervention
Above 10 mg/dL	Dangerous

Note: A dangerous level, above 10 mg/dL, is usually associated with jaundice, fatigue, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, and confusion. 

What Causes High Bilirubin Levels?

Several medical conditions can contribute to high bilirubin levels: 

• Liver diseases: These may include hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or fatty liver that can impair the ability of your liver to process and excrete bilirubin. 
• Bile duct obstruction: Gallstones, pancreatic tumors, and inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis) prevent bilirubin from being eliminated, leading to accumulation. 
• Hemolytic disorder: It may include sickle cell anemia, which is a type of anemia that causes red blood cells to break down faster than usual. This can increase bilirubin levels in the blood. 
• Genetic conditions: Gilbert's syndrome can cause mildly raised bilirubin levels. Crigler-Najjar Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder where your body can't get rid of bilirubin properly, and it builds up to dangerous levels.
• Drug or alcohol toxicity: Some medicines or long-term alcohol use can harm liver cells and interfere with bilirubin metabolism. 

Symptoms of Dangerous Bilirubin Levels

If your bilirubin is dangerously high, you may experience:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite 
• Nausea
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
• Altered mental state due to late-stage liver disease

Procedure of the Bilirubin Test

Healthcare professionals usually suggest a liver function test (LFT) to measure bilirubin levels. The phlebotomist will use a needle to draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is labeled and sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

You may feel slight pain or discomfort at the needle site. These symptoms will go away in 2-3 days. 

Additional testing may also be ordered along with bilirubin levels, such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• ALT, AST, and ALP (liver enzymes)
• Ultrasound or CT scan

Note: Discuss your doubts about the test with your doctor to receive the most accurate results. 

Lifestyle Tips to Keep Your Liver Healthy

To keep your liver healthy:

• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Eat a liver-friendly diet, which is low in fat and high in fiber. 
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly 
• Avoid self-medication
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B

FAQs

1. What is the most dangerous bilirubin level?

The most dangerous bilirubin level is above 10 mg/dL. It may indicate severe liver or bile duct issues. 

2. Can the levels of bilirubin be reduced on their own?

Mildly elevated bilirubin levels may normalize on their own, but persistent high bilirubin levels should be investigated. 

3. How can I prepare for the test?

The bilirubin test does not require fasting, and staying hydrated and wearing loose clothing are essential for a smooth blood draw. Discuss your doubts with your doctor before the test to receive the most accurate reports. 

4. Does jaundice always indicate dangerous bilirubin?

Not necessarily. Bilirubin levels between 2-3 mg/dL can cause mild jaundice, but levels beyond 5 mg/dL indicate further tests are needed. 

5. Can dehydration lead to increased bilirubin levels?

Yes. Dehydration can lower your plasma volume, which might raise your bilirubin levels. Drinking enough water usually helps normalize it in such cases.

6. What dangerous levels of bilirubin lead to liver failure?

If bilirubin levels exceed 15-20 mg/dL, it is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization. 

7. Can stress affect my bilirubin levels?

Chronic stress may indirectly affect your liver health. Ensure you eat a balanced diet, sleep, and exercise to improve your overall health. 

Final Thoughts

Bilirubin levels provide valuable insights into your liver health. It's normal for bilirubin levels to be a little high sometimes, and it's often nothing to worry about. However, if your bilirubin exceeds 10 mg/dL, that could mean a dangerous condition that requires timely medical intervention. 

Need to Check Your Liver Health?

Contact Redcliffe Labs to book your liver function test (LFT) with free home sample collection and accurate reports available across 220+ Indian cities.