What is the most likely cause of abnormally high blood ammonia levels? Abnormally High Blood Ammonia Levels: Causes and Treatment

How to treat abnormally high blood ammonia levels

There are many factors that can lead to hyperammonemia (a high blood level of ammonia), which is also known as hyperbilirubinemia. Numerous studies suggest that hyperammonemia is often caused by a genetic disorder called urea-cycle disorder (UCD). (Gathungu and colleagues, 2016; Schuetz and colleagues, 2021). UCD is an inherited defect of the urea cycle, which is the body’s natural process of breaking down ammonia. The body is unable to effectively remove ammonia from the environment, leading eventually to its accumulation in the bloodstream. UCD is not the only factor that can cause hyperammonemia. High levels of ammonia can result from liver failure or kidney disease. Sometimes, infection, metabolic disorders and some cancers may also cause the condition. It is essential to determine the root cause of hyperammonemia before you can treat it. The treatment options include diet changes and medications as well as supplemental therapies. Cont….