Excessive amylase in the blood (hyperamylasemia) is not a disorder in itself, but it indicates that something is wrong with the body. In fact, it can be a symptom of various pathologies, but more generally it can be linked to chronic or acute pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal obstruction or an infection affecting the kidneys or gallbladder. The only way to really succeed in lowering amylase levels is to treat the pathology responsible for the excess. In most cases, a doctor's cooperation and drug therapy is needed to bring amylase levels back to normal parameters.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Lower Amylase Levels with Physician Help
Step 1. Get a prescription for the necessary tests to figure out what is causing the excess amylase
The only way to really succeed in lowering amylase levels is to treat the pathology responsible for the excess. If your blood tests show you have hyperamylasemia, talk to your doctor about what other tests you should take to determine the cause.
- Pancreatitis, tumors, gallbladder or kidney infections, and the use of certain medications are common causes of increased blood amylase levels.
- Your doctor may order other blood tests, urinalysis, and an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.
Step 2. Treat pancreatitis with help from your doctor
If the excess amylase in the blood is caused by pancreatitis, you will need to follow your doctor's directions and medication. You may need to fast, take pain relievers, and be given intravenous fluids to treat inflammation.
Once pancreatitis is under control, your doctor will help you treat the condition that caused it. Depending on the cause, you may need to undergo surgery that involves the gallbladder, pancreas, or that aims to remove the obstruction blocking the pancreatic duct. If, on the other hand, pancreatitis is due to alcohol abuse, you will need to treat your addiction
Step 3. Work with your doctor to treat cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones or an infection. If your amylase levels are elevated due to gallbladder complications, your doctor may recommend conservative therapy, pain relievers to control the pain caused by gallstones, or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
- If your doctor favors a conservative approach, they may recommend that you fast to minimize gallbladder strain. Additionally, you may need to take pain medication and be given intravenous fluids.
- Removal of the gallbladder is not recommended in all cases. Once the initial inflammation is under control, your doctor may order other tests and see if it needs to be removed surgically.
Step 4. Take fluids and antibiotics to treat the kidney infection
If the excess amylase in the blood is due to a kidney infection, your doctor is likely to prescribe antibiotics. Take them following his instructions to the letter. Therapy may also include fluids to prevent dehydration and fever.
- Fluid needs may vary based on your general health, symptoms and medical history. Consult your doctor to find out more.
- Take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor and finish the treatment even if after a few days you start to feel better.
Step 5. See a doctor right away if your symptoms are interfering with your normal daily activities
If you have acute dysentery, abdominal pain, fever, rash, or if symptoms impact your ability to feed, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of an acute infection or another serious condition that needs immediate treatment.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Side Effects
Step 1. Stop using the medications that have caused the excess amylase
If medications are responsible for the high levels of amylase in the blood, stop taking them or switch to an alternative treatment. If you have been prescribed them by your doctor or if you are using them to control a chronic condition, consult your doctor before stopping treatment.
- Drugs that can cause amylase levels to rise include: opiates, birth control pills, cholinergic drugs, thiazide diuretics, asparaginase, aspirin, ethacrynic acid, and methyldopa.
- If medications are used to treat a chronic condition, your doctor may prescribe an alternative treatment.
- If the drug is part of a short-term therapy, it may be best to finish the treatment and let the amylase levels return to normal on their own once you finish. Consult your doctor before stopping therapy.
Step 2. Relieve pain with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
If the excess amylase in the blood is due to inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, will help keep the pain at bay. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor or following the directions attached to the product.
- If for some reason you cannot use non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, you may in some cases take 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day to treat pain.
- Always consult your doctor before starting a drug, especially if you have never used it before.
Step 3. Stop drinking alcohol
If excess amylase is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, take steps to stop drinking immediately. Even if alcohol is not the cause of excess amylase, you should still try to reduce your consumption, as it could aggravate the underlying disease.
- When amylase is high, alcoholic beverages should be avoided completely, regardless of the cause. If you don't want to give it up altogether, at least try to keep the number of drinks you drink weekly to a minimum.
- If you need help to stop drinking, see a therapist, support group, or detox center. They will be able to offer you support and resources to help you on your journey.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Hyperamylasemia
Step 1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables
Eating healthy can help you reduce the risk of suffering from gallstones or pancreatitis. Commit to a diet that includes at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Go for whole grains, substituting them for refined ones whenever possible. Avoid foods with added sugar and fatty foods with a high cholesterol content.
Consult your doctor before making any major changes to your daily diet, especially if you have a chronic medical condition
Step 2. Maintain a healthy body weight
Obesity and eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can increase the risk of developing gallstones or kidney complications. Try to maintain a healthy body weight to reduce these risks. Based on your lifestyle and medical history, your doctor may recommend that you change your diet, exercise regularly, and make other lifestyle changes.
- The caloric requirement and the physical activity program must be determined according to the characteristics of the individual. There is no diet or workout that is right for everyone. Consult your doctor or certified nutritionist to find the right combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
- Losing weight is important if you are obese, but diets that are too restrictive should always be avoided because they can increase the risk of suffering from gallstones.
Step 3. Stop smoking
Like alcoholic beverages, smoking also increases the risk of developing pancreatitis. If you are a smoker, including marijuana or e-cigarettes, take steps to quit immediately. Seek out a support group or seek help from a therapist who specializes in addiction treatment if you feel it is necessary.
