Alpha amylase is elevated: what are the causes of the disorder?

Alpha amylase is an enzyme that helps break down proteins in the human body. The pancreas is responsible for the production of this substance. Possible digestive system disorders may occur in a situation where alpha-amylase is elevated in the patient’s blood.

Self-medication in such situations is strictly prohibited, since such actions can cause significant disturbances in the functioning of the body.

The role of the enzyme in the body

The pancreas produces alpha amylase.

The main biological function of alpha-amylase is the breakdown of certain carbon fibers into less complex compounds such as starch and glycogen.

Such processes help improve the efficiency of the digestive system and the absorption of significant amounts of nutrients.

The functionality of the pancreas allows for mixed secretion, due to which alpha-amylase enters not only the digestive system, but also the circulatory system. There are two main types of this enzyme:

1. Salivary amylase is produced in small volumes directly in the oral cavity during the work of the salivary glands. This starts the process of primary digestion of food in the oral cavity, and also stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.
2. Pancreatic amylase is a product of the pancreas, promotes the digestion process, breaks down certain components of food into several simple ones.

The amount of enzyme in the body makes it possible to determine numerous disorders of the digestive system that do not have any pronounced symptoms.

Memo to patients

Proper preparation is the guarantee that the result will be correct. In laboratories, the morning or daily portion of biological fluid is examined. In the first case, the following rules should be followed:

1. The optimal time period is from 6 to 10 am. If the collection is performed on a child in the first year of life, it is convenient to use special devices. They are a transparent soft but dense container. It is necessary to attach it to the outer part of the penis (for boys, the penis should be tucked inside) using the adhesive area. The collection does not cause any inconvenience to the baby. Removing the container is easy.
2. 12 hours before collection, salty and spicy foods should be excluded from the diet. This rule applies more to adults.
3. One day before the delivery date, it is not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages, baked goods, or medications.
4. Genital hygiene is necessary.
5. The first portion of urine must be drained, since it may contain mucus that has accumulated overnight.

For analysis, 50 ml of biological material is sufficient.

The daily dose is taken according to similar rules. Each sample is collected in a separate container, onto which a sticker is affixed indicating the exact time of collection. It is also recommended to keep a food diary.

Normal amount of alpha amylase

It is not advisable to use captopril before analysis.

A normal pancreatic amylase level without any diagnosed pancreatic problems will be close to zero.

A reading below 50 units can also be regarded as normal and is not a cause for concern. In order for the test results to be more accurate, it is better not to eat food before the procedures.

The secretion process is initiated immediately after food is placed in the oral cavity. It is for this reason that even a small amount of food can cause inaccurate test results. It is advisable to warn the attending physician before testing if the patient has taken the following medications:

Symptoms

Excessive levels of this enzyme are diagnosed in diseases of the pancreas and other internal organs and require therapy. The disease is accompanied by symptoms:

• Pain in the hypochondrium and epigastrium on the right. This symptom worsens after eating. After defecation, the pain goes away.
• Impaired passage of stool, diarrhea is more common, stool is released in small quantities. The reason is a violation of the contractile function of the intestine.
• Apathy, drowsiness.
• Reduced performance.
• Deterioration in sleep quality does not bring increased strength.
• Attractive pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy.

A patient's visit to a doctor with the above symptoms often leads to hospitalization. In this case, it is necessary to identify the root cause of the illness.

Reasons for increasing the amount of enzyme

The reasons for the increase in alpha-amylase can be very different and occur constantly or periodically. Constant changes in the body are not yet evidence of various diseases, disorders and abnormalities.

In general, the patient's well-being may also deteriorate. It will be possible to determine the presence of any pathologies by systematically increasing the amount of enzyme in the blood. Experienced doctors also recommend paying attention to the following symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen, in the right side after eating;
• Frequent diarrhea, most of the time at night;
• Unreasonable fatigue.

The reason for the increase in the amount of enzyme may be the intensive work of the pancreas itself. It is necessary to name a list of diseases that contribute to this disorder:

1. Pancreatitis disrupts the functioning of the pancreas. In such situations, one can observe a negative effect on the gland of the enzymes it produces. If therapy is not carried out in a timely manner, pancreatic necrosis may develop, which implies death of the pancreas and disorder of the abdominal cavity. In the adult population, in most situations a similar pathology can be diagnosed due to alcohol abuse. Such violations can cause the death of the patient;
2. Systematically occurring disturbances in the normal functioning of the pancreas can contribute to an increase in the amount of alpha-amylase;
3. Oncological processes developing in the pancreas cause an increase in the amount of enzyme in the body by approximately 4 times;
4. Formation of stones in the gallbladder;
5. In diabetes mellitus, there is a general failure of metabolism, which is accompanied by irrational enzyme production;
6. Mumps worsens the general condition of patients. Inflammatory processes occur in the salivary glands. After treatment, alpha-amylase production returns to normal;
7. Generalized kidney failure is a disorder in which amylase can become trapped in the bloodstream.

These are the main causes of the disorder.

Consequences

If persistent disturbances in enzyme levels are detected, competent and, most importantly, timely therapy should be carried out.

Failure to comply with this rule can lead to the following complications:

• Pathologies of the gallbladder and the formation of cholelithiasis (more common in women).
• Metabolic disorders.
• Development of anemia (anemia).
• Weight loss.
• Dry skin.
• Increased fragility of hair and nails.
• Development of diabetes mellitus.

When the stomach and intestines are not functioning, food is less easily digested and absorbed, resulting in flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

If a high level of the enzyme is detected, treatment and diet are urgently required. Thanks to this, you will get rid of unpleasant symptoms and remain healthy for a long time.

What could an increase in alpha-amylase levels mean?

Tests will help determine the level of the enzyme in the body.

The attending physician will prescribe additional examinations even in a situation where the amount of enzyme in the blood increases slightly.

In some situations, an increase may be purely accidental, caused by an insignificant deterioration in the quality of the immune system. Diseases can be discussed when the level of alpha-amylase increases by approximately 2 or more times.

Prevention

To avoid changes in amylase levels, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

1. Limit consumption of fatty foods.
2. Eliminate foods high in coarse fiber from your diet.
3. Do not drink instant coffee.
4. Take vitamin complexes containing vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, P and folic acid.
5. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol forever.
6. Do not take medications without consulting your doctor.
7. Avoid stress, take sedatives during high emotional stress.
8. Treat infectious diseases in a timely manner.
9. Play sports, do not neglect morning exercises.
10. Get rid of excess weight.
11. Normalize lipid metabolism.
12. Use of hypoglycemic drugs.

To avoid changes in amylase levels, it is recommended, first of all, to exclude alcohol, coffee and strong tea, chocolate

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References

1. Ivashkin, V.T., Shirokova, E.N., Mayevskaya, M.V. and others. Clinical recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association and the Russian Society for the Study of the Liver for the diagnosis and treatment of cholestasis. - Russian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Coloproctology, 2015. - V. 2. - P. 41-57.
2. Uspenskaya, Yu.B., Sheptulin, A.A. Clinic, diagnosis and treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnant women, 2021. - V. 27(4). — P. 96-101.
3. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: The diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol., 2021. - Vol.67(1). — P. 145-172.
4. Alcoholic liver disease: Clinical guidelines - Scientific Society of Gastroenterologists of Russia, Russian Scientific Medical Society of Therapists, 2021. - 38 p.

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