An amylase blood test
measures the amount of amylase in a person’s blood
. Abnormal levels of amylase may indicate pancreatitis or another problem with the pancreas. Amylase is a digestive enzyme that helps the body break down carbohydrates. Both the salivary glands and the pancreas produce amylase.
What does it mean when your amylase is high?
A high amylase level in the blood may indicate
the presence of a condition affecting the pancreas
. In acute pancreatitis, amylase in the blood often increases to 4 to 6 times higher than the highest reference value, sometimes called the upper limit of normal.
What happens if serum amylase is high?
If your results show an abnormal level of amylase in your blood or urine, it may mean you have a disorder of the pancreas or other medical condition. High levels of amylase may indicate:
Acute pancreatitis
, a sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas.
What are the symptoms of high amylase?
Hyperamylasemia Symptoms:
These include
excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and weight loss
. This is often temporary. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include nausea, sweating and weakness. You may also notice pain in the middle of your chest, which may move or radiate to your back.
What is a normal amylase level?
The normal range for adults for amylase in a blood sample is
30 to 110 units per liter (U/L)
. If your amylase levels are higher than normal, you may have one of many conditions. These include: Sudden swelling of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
What to eat if amylase is high?
To get your pancreas healthy, focus on foods that are rich in protein, low in animal fats, and contain antioxidants. Try
lean meats
, beans and lentils, clear soups, and dairy alternatives (such as flax milk and almond milk).
What foods are high in amylase?
Fruits, vegetables, and other foods have natural digestive enzymes. Eating them can improve your digestion.
Honey
, especially the raw kind, has amylase and protease. Mangoes and bananas have amylase, which also helps the fruit to ripen.
Can stress cause high amylase levels?
Studies using physiological [3, 4] and psychological stressors [5, 6] revealed increased activity of salivary alpha-amylase
due to stress
. Studies in humans have shown that alpha2-adrenergic [7] and beta-adrenergic [8] mechanisms are involved in increases of salivary alpha-amylase activity.
What is the function of amylase?
Amylases’ main function is
to hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds in starch molecules, converting complex carbohydrates to simple sugars
. There are three main classes of amylase enzymes; Alpha-, beta- and gamma-amylase, and each act on different parts of the carbohydrate molecule.
Can pancreatitis be cured?
There is no cure for chronic pancreatitis
, but the related pain and symptoms may be managed or even prevented. Since chronic pancreatitis is most often caused by drinking, abstinence from alcohol is often one way to ease the pain.
How high is amylase in pancreatitis?
When pancreatic tissue damage (eg. pancreatitis) or pancreatic duct is blocked, serum amylase levels increased. It should be noted that the normal range for amylase concentration is
15-110 IU/L
(2). In acute pancreatitis, lipase levels are often very high; 10.5 times the normal level can be increased (3).
What blood tests show problems with pancreas?
Amylase and lipase tests
are used to detect pancreatitis. The tests measure the amount of these enzymes circulating in your bloodstream. These enzymes are typically checked when you have symptoms of acute pancreatitis or another pancreatic disorder and your doctor wants to confirm the diagnosis.
Can gastritis cause elevated amylase?
However, there are several other conditions that can cause hyperamylasemia or hyperlipasemia, such as gut perforation and renal failure. In this case, elevated amylase and lipase was probably due to
acute gastritis and chronic alcoholism
, considering the totally benign abdominal examination as well as the EGD findings.
What color is stool with pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or cystic fibrosis can also turn your
stool yellow
. These conditions prevent your pancreas from providing enough of the enzymes your intestines need to digest food.
Does amylase increase blood sugar?
Amylase enzymes secreted in saliva help break down starches into simpler sugar molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. In this way, amylase activity
influences blood glucose levels
, which need to be maintained within an optimal range for good health.
What are the signs of a bad pancreas?
- Upper abdominal pain.
- Abdominal pain that radiates to your back.
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen.
- Fever.
- Rapid pulse.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
