What causes elevated ammonia levels?
An elevated ammonia level (or hyperammonaemia) in the blood is usually due to liver dysfunction, either because of a genetic problem with the enzymes that metabolise ammonia, or because of acquired liver disease, for example from alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Symptoms of elevated ammonia levels
An elevated ammonia level produces non-specific symptoms such as:
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Rapid or heavy breathing
- Irritability
- Altered mental state.
This may occur because of decreased breakdown of ammonia in the body from two main causes:
- Liver disease, especially liver failure
- Genetic metabolic defects – the family of related conditions known as ‘urea cycle defects’
Usually these congenital enzyme abnormalities are diagnosed early in life because of severe metabolic consequences. A clue may be exaggerated lethargy or vomiting with episodes of minor illness, such as those due to viral infections.
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How are ammonia levels tested?
Ammonia level (NH3) is a blood test and requires a few millilitres of blood from a vein. The specimen is usually transported on ice to the laboratory to be analysed.
Related specialists
- Paediatrician
- Hepatologist
- Gastroenterologist
- General Physician
- Emergency Physician
- Intensivist
- Geneticist
- Neurologist
Related procedures
- Blood Test (venesection)
Related tests
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
- Urea & Electrolytes
- Liver Function Tests
- INR Test
- Glucose
- Lactate
- Blood and Urine Amino Acids
- Urine Organic Acids
Also known as
- Plasma Ammonia level
- Serum Ammonia level
Links
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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