Gilbert’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Everyday Care

Gilbert’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Everyday Care

Gilbert’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Everyday Care

Gilbert’s syndrome is a common inherited condition that affects how the body deals with bilirubin, a yellow pigment in the blood. It can cause mildly elevated bilirubin levels and, in some people, yellowing of the skin or eyes that comes and goes. 

Usually, the condition is mild, but there can be other causes of jaundice besides Gilbert’s syndrome. This article outlines common characteristics, how clinicians assess the condition and everyday care.

 It is general information and not a diagnosis. A healthcare professional can help you interpret your symptoms and test results.

What is Gilbert's Syndrome?

Gilbert’s syndrome is a hereditary condition affecting how the liver processes bilirubin. In these people, an enzyme that helps prepare bilirubin to leave the body doesn’t work as well as it should. 

This can lead to a mild build up of bilirubin in the blood and may cause the skin or the whites of the eyes to turn yellow.

That difference in processing does not mean the liver is damaged. Gilbert’s syndrome is usually regarded as a mild condition, and many people do not experience any symptoms. 

Because bilirubin levels can change over time, a single test result is best interpreted in the light of a person’s health history and other test results.

 A healthcare professional can help to determine whether Gilbert’s syndrome is likely to be the explanation or whether further assessment is required.

What Is Bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced as the body breaks down old red blood cells. It travels through the blood to the liver, where it is processed so that the body can eliminate it. In Gilbert's syndrome, the enzyme involved in this process is less active than normal.

 And so the liver may take a little longer to clear bilirubin, and you may see a slight increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood. 

Levels may vary, and a transient rise does not, in itself, explain the elevation in bilirubin. A clinician might consider the bilirubin results alongside other tests and a person’s symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people with Gilbert's syndrome don't have any symptoms and may discover they have it during routine blood tests. 

Some people get jaundiced when their bilirubin goes up (the skin and/or the whites of their eyes turn yellow). It can be subtle, coming and going rather than always being there.

Not everybody with Gilbert’s syndrome has jaundice, and yellowing doesn’t automatically mean the problem is Gilbert’s syndrome.

 Other health conditions can raise bilirubin or cause jaundice, too. If you see jaundice for the first time, or if it continues or worsens, do not assume it is due to Gilbert’s syndrome and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

What Causes High Bilirubin Levels?

Gilbert’s syndrome can cause bilirubin levels to rise temporarily in certain situations. They can be triggered by illness, fasting or missing meals, dehydration, strenuous exercise, stress and lack of sleep.

 Not everyone is affected by these factors in the same way, and a rise doesn’t automatically mean that any one of them is the cause.

Instead of following strict rules, pay attention to when changes in your routine seem to correspond with symptoms. Eating on a schedule, drinking enough fluids, and resting when sick may help to support day-to-day well-being. 

Simply because you have Gilbert’s syndrome, you do not have to avoid exercise or make major changes to your lifestyle. If the jaundice is new, persistent, or getting worse, don’t assume it is a temporary change; seek advice from a healthcare professional.

How Is Gilbert’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

To diagnose Gilbert’s syndrome, your doctor will probably consider your symptoms, your medical history and your blood-test results. 

Tests may include bilirubin levels and liver function tests, which provide a more complete picture of how well your liver is working. Do not use any one result alone for the diagnosis of the condition.

Your doctor may repeat blood tests or look into other potential causes of high bilirubin or jaundice, depending on your results and situation. Genetic testing isn’t always needed. 

The right course of action will depend on the full clinical picture, so talk to a healthcare professional to discuss your results and if further assessment is needed.

Conditions to Rule Out

Jaundice and elevated bilirubin can be caused by other things than Gilbert’s syndrome. They may be related to problems of the liver, biliary ducts or blood.

 Gilbert’s syndrome is usually mild and is not a sign of liver damage. However, it is not safe to assume that Gilbert’s syndrome is the cause of every episode of jaundice.

If you experience the onset of jaundice, or if jaundice persists or worsens, consult a health care professional for evaluation rather than attempting to determine the cause of jaundice yourself. 

A clinician can review your symptoms and test results to determine whether you need further evaluation.

Treatment and Daily Management

Gilbert’s syndrome usually does not require special treatment. For many people, simple, consistent habits are enough to support daily well-being. 

When you are ill, it may help to eat regular meals, drink plenty of fluids and rest. Don’t go on extreme diets or fasting, as this may affect your bilirubin levels.

These are general guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules, and people’s experiences vary. It is likely you will not have to make major changes to your routine. 

If you have any ongoing concerns about symptoms or care, talk to a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate advice for your situation.

Gilbert’s Syndrome and Drugs

Gilbert’s syndrome may alter the way some medicines are processed by the body. That’s not to say all medicines are unsuitable or that you should change a treatment you already take. Effects may vary depending on the medicine and your personal circumstances.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider if you have Gilbert’s syndrome, even during a discussion about a new prescription or over-the-counter product. 

Before starting, stopping or changing any medication, speak to a professional. If you have questions about a specific treatment, ask your clinician or pharmacist to explain what is appropriate for you.

Food, Supplements and Natural Methods

There is no particular diet, supplement or natural approach that has been proven to cure Gilbert’s syndrome. A balanced approach to eating can promote overall well-being. 

Restrictive diets or fasting can influence bilirubin levels and may carry other risks. Supplements and other products can also interact with medicines or have side effects, so ‘natural’ does not always mean suitable for everyone.

Before taking a supplement, herbal product or making a major change in your diet, you should talk to a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist. 

They can help you to consider whether it is suitable for you, especially if you are on medication or have other health concerns. Natural approaches should not replace medical advice or assessment of new, persistent or worsening jaundice.

Living Well With Gilbert's Syndrome

Gilbert's syndrome is generally mild and usually does not prevent people from enjoying day-to-day activities. Usually, you don’t have to monitor or restrict every aspect of your routine. 

You might want to pay attention to your own symptom patterns (maybe they are worse when you are sick or when you don’t eat), but don’t assume that all changes are related to the illness. 

For routine care or questions about your symptoms, follow your clinician’s advice. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, speak to a health care professional.

When to See a Doctor

Contact a health care professional if you notice jaundice for the first time and do not know why it has appeared, or if it persists or worsens. 

Also, ask about any symptoms or other changes that you’re concerned about; don’t assume they’re because of Gilbert’s syndrome.

Get medical help immediately if you get any of the following severe symptoms: confusion, severe abdominal pain, or feeling seriously unwell. 

These are examples, not a complete list, of symptoms that may need urgent attention. If you're not sure, talk to a healthcare professional about when you should get care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert's syndrome is not contagious.
Nope. It is not an infection that is passed from person to person.

Is Gilbert’s syndrome passed down from parents to children?
Yes. It is inherited, but a clinician can help you answer questions about your family.

Does Gilbert’s syndrome usually cause severe liver problems?
It is generally mild and is not usually a sign of liver damage. Discuss any personal concerns with a health professional. Jaundice or other symptoms can have different causes.