Is an abnormal liver function test always related to alcohol?

[sandyballs]

DH has been having various tests/scans on his bowels and stomach due to terrible acid indigestion and odd bowel movements. It turns out he has an hiatus hernia but they also said the blood tests/lft showed there was something wrong with his liver and they have taken further blood to test it, hepatitis was mentioned. The doctor told him to avoid alcohol. He is due back at the hospital in September.

He probably does drink more than the 'recommended' units, we often share a bottle of wine, sometimes more. He would definitely drink more than that if on a night out with friends etc, but I wouldn't say his drinking was a problem or very very heavy.

If he's picked up hepatitis he could have liver problems that aren't related to alcohol, and there are other reasons for liver problems - but still he'll need to stop drinking completely now anyway, whether it was the alcohol that caused the problem originally or not. Sorry to hear this and hope that he starts feeling better now that he is getting medical attention.

No not at all always related to alcohol in fact some people can go through life with "abnormal liver function test results" and never find the cause. However now that you know he must avoid alcohol as whatever is causing it will be exacerbated by alcohol.

I had this and it was caused by Glandular Fever

There are all sorts of other possible causes but I agree best to steer clear of alcohol until htey have worked out what it is

more info here
Do you know which test it was that was abnormal - mine was raised ALT I think

My neighbour has had abnormal liver function tests and she's teetotal. She said she had a terrible time convincing the doctor that she really didn't drink and wasn't just lying about it!

No, doing a lot of exercise can increase your LFTs, or a physical contact sport (e.g. a tough rugby union match) can elevate AST and ALT. The only test that I would immediately associate with alcohol is elevated GGT, and that is not always caused by alcohol. However, completely agree with the other posters, he should avoid alcohol until you know what the problem is.

If it's his bilirubin that is elevated, he may have Gilbert's Syndrome, which is an inherited disorder which results in higher levels of blirubin in the blood. Lots of people have this and are not aware of it but it can cause problems in others.

Remember too that reference ranges for 'normal' cover the population between 5%-95% roughly. So, 5% of the population will naturally have levels below 'normal' and 5% will naturally have levels above 'normal'.

Just for the record, I am not a doctor, just a medical scientist

fatty liver can cause same reuslts

DBIL is nearly teetotal, he's had tests recently for abnormal liver function, I think it was traced to being kidney stones.

My Mum has abnormal liver function, it is due to an enzyme deficiency. She has to avoid alcohol now but has never really drunk anyway.

i too had this with glandular fever. had gf aged 17 then abnormal liver function aged 22 said still gf related, very tired etc and had to avoid alc for 18mths put me off for a while but nwo enjoy wine again! doc said they'd know if i walked past an offy!