Unexpected Liver Damage Without Alcohol Consumption?
As a 32-year-old female weighing 118 pounds, I can confidently say that I have never consumed alcohol in my life. Additionally, it has been over a decade since I last had soda; my typical hydration consists solely of water and electrolyte beverages. Recently, my blood work revealed an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR CKD EPI) of 87%, indicating a mild decline, classified as stage 2. I find myself puzzled by how I could be experiencing liver damage under these circumstances. My diet does not include fast food, and I do not take excessive supplements. Could this finding simply be an anomaly? Notably, the criteria for stage 2 liver impairment ranges from 60% to 89%.
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 11:30:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the unexpected findings regarding liver function, especially given your healthy lifestyle choices. While your eGFR score suggests mild kidney function decline rather than direct liver damage, there could be several underlying factors contributing to your situation that don't involve alcohol or an unhealthy diet.
Overview:
- Mild Kidney Function Decline: Your eGFR of 87% is in the normal range albeit on the lower end. This suggests mild kidney impairment, not liver impairment.
- Potential Causes: Factors such as certain medications, dehydration, high cholesterol, obesity, and underlying health conditions (like diabetes or hypertension) can contribute to kidney function changes without any alcohol consumption.
Clarifying Your Findings:
- Understanding eGFR: eGFR is a measure of kidney function, not liver function. It's important to differentiate between liver health and kidney health when assessing your blood work.
- Anomaly Checking: Blood test variations can indeed occur due to many reasons. Your results should ideally be interpreted in the context of other health markers and your overall situation (symptoms, medical history).
Immediate and Practical Steps:
- Hydration: Continue to maintain adequate hydration but watch for any signs of dehydration like dark urine or decreased output, which may reinforce kidney strain.
- Diet Review: Even though you have a healthy diet, consider tracking your sodium and protein intake, as excessive sodium can lead to kidney strain. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables that are known to support kidney health.
- Monitor Medications: If you are on any medications, review these with a healthcare professional, as certain drugs can affect kidney function.
- Follow-Up Testing: Ensure regular follow-ups to monitor your eGFR and any related health markers. A healthcare provider may suggest tests like ultrasound or more detailed kidney function tests if there are ongoing concerns.
- Discuss Symptoms: Stay alert for symptoms like fatigue, swelling in extremities, or changes in urination patterns, and keep a log of any changes to discuss in future blood tests.
If you have any worrying symptoms or if these parameters change significantly, it would be prudent to engage a healthcare provider for more personalized insight and reassurance.
Related Questions
My Relationship with Milk Consumption
For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭
Is an 85-pound Weight Healthy for a Woman Who is 5’1"?
A friend of mine stands at 5 feet 1 inch tall and has a delicate frame, tipping the scales at 85 pounds. At first glance, her weight seemed surprisingly low, but I realized she doesn’t appear overly thin. Naturally, I became a bit worried as I believed her weight might be below the healthy range; however, she insists that she feels perfectly fine. She maintains an active lifestyle, exercising regularly and following a nutritious diet, yet she doesn't overindulge. This leaves me pondering whether her health is indeed in check.
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!