Medical Information on Ammonia Levels
Ammonia is a toxic, water-soluble molecule that is generated in the body as a byproduct of cellular or digestive metabolism of proteins. It is referred to as a nitrogenous waste material.
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Ammonia Levels
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The organs most directly responsible for regulating ammonia levels in the body, according to una.edu, are the liver and kidneys. The liver converts ammonia to urea and the kidneys filter urea and dispose of it as urine.
Normal Levels
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The normal level of ammonia found in a healthy person is between 15 and 45 micrograms per deciliter, reports the National Institute of Health (NIH).
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High Ammonia Levels
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The causes for high ammonia levels, according the NIH, include liver problems, genetic conditions, Reye's Syndrome and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
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The symptoms of high ammonia levels can include respiratory failure, lethargy, seizures, coma and cerebral edema, reports pwsdots.org. Cerebral edema is excess fluid in or around the brain.
Treatment
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Long-term treatment approaches to high levels of ammonia in the body depend on the cause of the condition. In the short term, elimination of dietary protein is necessary, according to pwsdots.org.
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References
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