How to Treat High Blood Ammonia Levels
The liver takes care of almost all the toxins it encounters, whether they are ingested or created by the body itself. Ammonia is one toxin created by the body as a result of protein breakdown. Under normal circumstances, the liver eliminates ammonia. However, in conditions such as hepatitis or liver failure, ammonia is not eliminated. High blood ammonia levels (hyperammonemia) lead to organ failure and brain damage, making it a medical emergency. Treatment is complicated, requiring the supervision of a medical professional.
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Instructions
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Hyperammonemia Treatment
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Take ammonia-reducing medication like benzoate and phenylacetate in the appropriate dosages, as indicated by a health care provider. These medications convert ammonia into water-soluble forms that can be eliminated through the kidneys. Dosage varies by patient weight and kidney function status.
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Modify the diet to include foods low in protein. One big source of ammonia is the breakdown of protein by intestinal bacteria. A diet low in protein reduces the production of ammonia by the bacteria.
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Hemodialysis may be started immediately if ammonia levels in the blood are critical. This is because medication and diet changes take too long and the brain is particularly susceptible to damage (encephalopathy) if ammonia levels remain elevated. Hemodialysis removes toxins from the blood when the liver or the kidneys are not able to function.
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Follow the guidance of a health care provider to deal with the underlying cause of the elevated ammonia. Liver disease such as viral hepatitis can be treated with medication. Some liver conditions might require more complicated treatment.
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Tips & Warnings
If you feel that you may have hepatitis or any other liver condition, see a medical professional right away. People at risk for hepatitis include intravenous drug users; health care professionals who work with blood and other body fluids; prostitutes and their customers; babies born to infected mothers; inmates; travelers to countries with endemic hepatitis A; and people who receive multiple transfusions of blood or blood products.
Only a medical professional can properly diagnose and treat hyperammonemia. Don't fall for treatments or plans offered outside the medical setting. Elevated ammonia is a serious condition, and improper treatment could lead to brain damage or death.
