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The urinary system is one of the most important systems in our body, while urine is a substance that can tell us a lot about the condition of our body, what ailments we suffer from. Urine is made up of many different elements, each of which carries specific information. One of the most important chemicals in urine is urobilinogen. What is this? What is worth knowing about it? What does increased or decreased urinary urobilinogen levels mean?
What is urobilinogen?
Urobilinogen is a chemical in urine that is formed by the action of bacterial enzymes on bilirubin. This compound is transported with the blood to the liver and then excreted in the urine. Appropriate content assumed urobilinogen in urine to 0 to 4 mg / dL. Both its greater and smaller amount in relation to the given norm may indicate certain disorders.
How do I recognize urobilinogen levels in my urine?
Although the best method to determine the level urobilinogen there are urine tests in the urine, there are some symptomswhich may indicate its higher or lower concentration. This primarily applies to the color of the urine because urobilinogen turns into a dye – urobilinęwhich gives the urine a yellow color. The higher the concentration urobilinogen the darker the urine. The yellow shade of the sclera of the eyeballs, mucous membranes and skin may also indicate an increased level of this compound. If we notice similar ones symptomsworth doing urine test.
Elevated levels of urobilinogen
When urobilinogen has a higher concentration than the norm provides, we can expect various liver ailments. First of all, it may indicate liver cirrhosis, severe poisoning, viral hepatitis, parenchymal or hemolytic jaundice. In addition, an increased level urobilinogen for example, it can be caused by anemia or strenuous exercise. Such urine test results can also be expected by people who often eat fatty meals.
Low urobilinogen levels
There may also be times when there is too little urine urobilinogen. This may indicate, for example, disturbances in the functioning of the bile ducts, which can cause gallstones, mechanical jaundice, and neoplasms.
Testing the level of urobilinogen
Level test urobilinogen takes place along with the general urine test. The indications for the test are therefore the same. The test sample should be obtained from morning urine and midstream urine. Urine is collected in a special container. It is worth remembering that before taking a urine sample for testing, you should thoroughly wash your intimate parts so that no dirt gets into it. About 20 ml of urine is needed for the test. Exercise is not recommended urine test during menstruation. It is best to do this about three days after it ends or three days before it starts.
When is it worth testing urobilinogen levels?
There are many circumstances that trigger a doctor orders urine test to determine the level urobilinogen. This happens primarily when you notice disturbing others as a result symptoms he suspects liver disease or liver problems.
Urobilinogen and pregnancy
Level urobilinogen is very important in women in pregnancyas an elevated concentration of this compound may indicate gestational cholestasis. It is not a common disease – it affects only 4 percent of women pregnancybut it can be very dangerous because it is characterized by bile retention. As a result, premature birth or hemorrhage may occur, and thus, the life of the child may be endangered. For this reason, women in pregnancy they should absolutely perform the recommended urine tests to exclude the possibility of complications.
How to take care of urobilinogen blood levels?
Level urobilinogen in the blood is difficult to control, but people who are at high risk of developing liver disease should, first of all, lead a lifestyle that will relieve this organ. First of all, you should focus on the right one diet. It is worth excluding highly processed and hard-to-digest foods from your daily menu. It is better to eat a few smaller meals than a particularly large meal as they strain the liver. In addition, you should absolutely avoid alcohol and have blood tests performed regularly, preferably annually, to respond early.