What is Amylase in Blood Test? What is High and Low Amylase Value? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Mar 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
Amylase in blood test is a test that measures the number of amylase in your blood.
Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates. It is produced mainly in the pancreas and salivary glands and can be found at low levels in other parts of the body.
Blood amylase tests are mainly used to diagnose and monitor problems with your pancreas, including pancreatitis. Amylase tests may also be used to help diagnose or monitor treatment of salivary gland and certain digestive disorders.
What is A Normal Amylase Value in Blood Test ?
The normal value of Amylase in blood test is 30 to 110 units per liter (U/L). Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. The reference value of the laboratory where the test was performed should be taken into account.
What is High Amylase Value in Blood Test?
High amylase in a blood test is a value above 110 units per liter (U/L).
If the amylase value is high in the blood test, it means that there is damage to the organs where it is produced intensively.
What Causes High Amylase in Blood Test?
Acute pancreatitis
Cancer of the pancreas, ovaries, or lungs
Cholecystitis
Infection of the salivary glands (such as mumps)
A blockage of the salivary gland duct
Intestinal blockage
Pancreatic or bile duct blockage
Perforated ulcer
Tubal pregnancy
Viral hepatitis
High Amylase Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying causes. But if high Amylase levels originate from the pancreas, possible symptoms include:
Stomach ache
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Rapid pulse
Jaundice
Oily, foul-smelling stools
How to Treat High Amylase Level?
In order to treat high amylase, the underlying health problems that cause high amylase must first be investigated. Once the cause of high amylase is identified, your doctor will initiate the appropriate treatment protocol. Additional treatments may also be given to relieve symptoms. What you can do for high amylase: You can pay attention to your nutrition under the supervision of your doctor. Staying away from smoking and alcohol will have positive effects on your health.
What is Low Amylase in Blood Test?
Low amylase in a blood testis a value below 30 units per liter (U/L).
If amylase is low in a blood test, it means that the pancreas is not producing enough enzymes.
Liver diseases or other diseases affecting the pancreas negatively affect amylase production.
What Causes Low Amylase in Blood Test?
Some possible factors that cause low amylase include:
Liver damage
Cystic fibrosis
Pancreatic cancer
Toxemia of pregnancy
Low Amylase Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying causes. But if low Amylase levels originate from the pancreas, possible symptoms include:
Stomach ache
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Fast heartbeat
Jaundice
Oily, foul-smelling stool (poop)
How to Treat Low Amylase Level?
To treat low Amylase, the underlying cause must first be determined. Your doctor may request additional tests for this. After the diagnosis, your doctor will implement the treatment protocol. You can speed up the healing process by staying away from smoking and alcohol and eating healthy.