How to keep ammonia levels down

Common Questions and Answers about How to keep ammonia levels down

ammonia

Avatar m tn My husband has cirrhosis and we have been told that the latest studies indicate people with cirrhosis actually really need the protein but they just have to keep their ammonia levels down by regularly taking enough lactulose. The amount varies per person by how many loose stools it causes...that is generally how it is dosed but you should get that information from your Dr. Some Dr's are so much more up to date than others.
Avatar f tn She reached 102 a few days ago and the lactolose has returned her level to 54. I am trying to find out how how and ammonia level can go before it is considered toxic and will cause her to go into a coma? I am also wondering in advanced cirrohsis will the lactolose eventually be uneffective in bringing down the ammonia levels? My final question is what kind of life expectancy is there when the cirrohsis reaches the level that she is at?
1184842 tn?1264265187 I realize I am very late to this conversation, but I have to agree with everyone else that has written and told you to take the lactulose. Like OrphanedHawk, I have been in and out of the hospital with high ammonia levels, this has been extremely difficult for my husband, because in my confused and disoriented state I had refused to go to the hospital and sometimes it would take him up to 15 hours just to get me to the hospital.
Avatar f tn My Dad is in hospital with cirrhosis of liver and they cannot seem to get his ammonia levels down. He is being flooded with lactulose but the levels are staying between 55-60. He is hallucinating and angry and depressed. I’ve read other posts where people talk about ammonia levels in the hundreds and I’m really confused. How high can they get? How high before you go into a coma? He is only 65.
Avatar f tn I have a question, my mother passed away a couple of days ago and all I can think of was her last days at the hospital, my question is, when a person that is awaiting a liver transplant and has many other problems that are going bad and her ammonia levels keeps rising and out of a sudden they can't respond back to any questions, can they understand what you are saying to them?
1654058 tn?1407159066 Digested blood represents a large protein load in the gut which can lead to higher levels of ammonia and other toxins and, not surprisingly, hepatic encephalopathy is frequent in this setting." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No variceal bleeding or banding. Nadolol is taken a a prophylaxis.
Avatar f tn Digested blood represents a large protein load in the gut which can lead to higher levels of ammonia and other toxins and, not surprisingly, hepatic encephalopathy is frequent in this setting. • Medications: Drugs that suppress the central nervous system, particularly opiate pain medications (e.g., codeine) and benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, lorazepam), may trigger hepatic encephalopathy.
Avatar n tn I'd like to know if you might know about Ammonia Levels in liver cirrhosis patients. I have been doing some of my own research on this and have possibly come up with some help. I do see a GI doctor who says he's a liver specialist but I think he could help me more. I ask questions and don't get results or any positive answers.
Avatar f tn Also, if you were getting symptomatic with the elevated ammonia levels, what did they have you do to bring it down? Thanks.
Avatar f tn That, and a good diet with no red meat and lots of leafy greens will bring the ammonia down. Always keep salt intake as close to 1000 mg as possible. No processed or fast foods. Use salt only at the end, when cooking. Try new foods. All the very Best to you both.
Avatar n tn It will depend on your ammonia levels which a blood test will reveal. You need to get to 3 good bowel movememnts a day to keep blood ammonia down, which is the largest cause of brain fog. If you treat for hep C with SOC you should also see a drop in this problem as your liver returns to normal function and enymes levels. The lactulose does work, but I prefer a good diet because the lactulose or Inulin both way make everyone very gas laden a bloated.....toot toot. .
Avatar n tn my husbands amonia level was at 111 last week, our dr prescribed the lactulose as well 3 times a day to try to reduce these levels, he gets a blood test reran next week to see if the levels are going down. he sleeps a whole lot, can get confused sometimes, but his is having some really wiered personality changes, hell act like a twelve year old sometimes.
Avatar f tn I know that Hep patients need to be monitored for elevated ammonia levels, so why did it take me, a CNA of 17 years, to be the one who brought this to their attention? According to their charts they never checked the levels until after I called, this means that the nurse lied to me. Is it just me or did I possible just help to save my uncle's life? I am begining to think that this teaching University Hosptial is not what it is craked up to be.
190885 tn?1333025891 I am assuming you have cirrhosis? (I have a list of cirrhotics but I know it doesn't include everyone with cirrhosis here). Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and brain fog are two different conditions. "Brain fog" has nothing to do with ammonia levels. Most ammonia in the body forms when protein is broken down by bacteria in the intestines. The liver normally converts ammonia into urea, which is then eliminated in urine.
Avatar f tn While elevated ammonia levels are seen in cirrhotic patients there can be encephalopathy with normal ammonia levels and there can also be no mental impairment in some patients with elevated ammonia levels. Basically, ammonia levels are of limited use for diagnosing cirrhosis or hepatic impairment. I would also think some other results of your blood work would have been out of range if you are cirrhotic or are suffering significant liver impairment.
Avatar n tn s liver status, and bacterial load of the colon and bowels. Patients with liver disease are unable to process or detoxify ammonia so that ammonia levels can reach dangerously high levels. This is coupled by increased ammonia production of colonic bacteria, especially if one is constipated or has an irregular bowel movement. High protein intake can also lead to an incresed ammonia production. I suggest you talk about these possibilities with your doctors.
412873 tn?1329174455 Does anyone know the name for the condition that leads to elevated ammonia levels in the blood? I think it happens when the liver is less able to remove toxins from the blood and can lead to confusion and other symptoms. Thanks for any input.
Avatar n tn Yes it does. High levels of ammonia cause hepatic encephalopathy which in turn can cause confusion, sleepiness and forgetfulness. There are medications to help lower those levels. Speak to your hep doc.
Avatar m tn Ammonia level</a>.
Avatar n tn At the age of 36 she had to have a complete gastrectomy(entire stomach removed) due to massive polyps. One year ago she started developing high ammonia levels, range from upper 60's to 110. Massive headaches seem to accompany the elevated levels. She has had liver function tests and biopsies for years now and have determined the problem isn't her liver. They prescribed lactulose and Xifaximim(antibiotic given to liver disease patients, might have the spelling wrong).
Avatar n tn Thank you, No the doctor claimed that his ammonia level was fine. It was at 15. Which according to the levels it sat right in the middle of the chart. I will definetly pick up the supplements you listed. He use to take Milk thistle lat the onset of his Hep c. But eventually stopped. Wasn'tsure if it was doing him anygood. I am not sure what Selenium is. Does it come in pill form and will I find it with all the other supplents? This Gaug Journal you ,mentioned is it on this site?
Avatar f tn how do you get the ammonia count down in liver disease? This discussion is related to <a href='/posts/show/892344'>Re: Ammonia level</a>.
238010 tn?1420406272 But I just read in another post that cheese and peanut butter (among other things) may contribute to higher ammonia levels, which in turn may cause brain fog. Any suggestions on what fats to take with riba, both in the morning and evening? And how much fat is necessary each time?
Avatar m tn my mother was very lethargic and we took her to ER. She had an ammonia levels of 169. would this be the reason and is this related to the liver?
1481758 tn?1287638643 My question is, is it common for meds that can dehydrate you (e.g diuretics, antihistamines etc in combo) to contribute to elevated ammonia levels? Esp if not historically drinking enough H20 and too much diet coke? Also take 20mg zolpidem and 1mg clonazepam ea nite and zyrtech 10mg every night and sometimes supplement w/benedryl 50mg if allergies and/sleep issues.