Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in many parts of the human body. It helps with protein metabolism. Elevated alkaline phosphatase is attributed to certain disease conditions. Knowing the causes of alkaline phosphatase high can help you avoid them and regulate the enzyme’s levels.
What Does it Mean if My Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is High?
Among the most common causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase are liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and bone diseases. If the levels of alkaline phosphatase are only minimally high, doctors usually do not suggest any kind of invasive evaluation. Usually, the kind of ALP created due to liver diseases and bone disorders are unique. To analyse which is the source of high levels of alkaline phosphatase, doctors suggest varied ALP tests.
Other alkaline phosphatase increase causes are:
Biliary Atresia
Another one of the ALP high causes is biliary atresia. This condition causes the bile duct, which carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder, to become blocked. It is common in infants and can lead to alarmingly high levels of alkaline phosphatase.
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland releases high levels of parathyroid hormone. The high bone turnover during this condition causes elevated alkaline phosphatase levels.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is also among the causes of raised alkaline phosphatase in the body. This is a condition where the bones become soft and extremely fragile. The increased activity of the bone cells during this time leads to high ALP.
Biliary Stricture
Another reason for high alkaline phosphatase is biliary stricture, which is the narrowing of the bile duct. This causes high bile pressure in the body, leading to the liver producing more alkaline phosphatase.
Cancer-Causing Biliary Obstructions
Rare, but another one of the possible high phosphatase alkaline causes is biliary obstructions that lead to cancer. The bile juice accumulation stimulates the production of more ALP.
Conclusion
High alkaline phosphatase levels can result from many disease conditions. The best way to address this issue is by getting tests done. Both the tests and treatment for high alkaline phosphatase are covered under health insurance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.