Are high AST and ALT readings okay?

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Ask
Hello doctor! I am currently in Japan, I recently had a routine check-up, my AST and ALT are high AST: 49, ALT: 96. A year ago, these indicators were still normal. I want to ask if the AST and ALT are high? Looking forward to your advice, thank you doctor!
Anonymous question
Answer
Hello, the doctor would like to answer the question: “Is it okay to have high AST and ALT levels? ” as follows:
Mild hepatitis can have many different causes. It could be due to drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. In most cases, hepatitis is caused by a virus, and these are called viral hepatitis, most commonly viral hepatitis A, B, C.
Sometimes in the first weeks after infection the hepatitis virus will without any symptoms (acute phase). If symptomatic, hepatitis A, B, and C usually present with fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, low-grade fever, jaundice, and yellow eyes. Because hepatitis B and C are chronic and show no signs for many years, when symptoms appear, it is likely that the liver has been damaged.
Chronic hepatitis can silently affect the liver for many years. Unless infection is diagnosed, monitored, and treated appropriately, serious liver damage is likely. Fortunately, a blood test can determine whether or not you have the hepatitis virus and which virus strain you have.
You can go to the nearest medical facility or Vinmec Health System Hospital for more detailed examination and advice by doctors. Best regards!

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Answered by Dr. Tran Thi Phuong Thuy - Hepatobiliary Specialist - General Internal Medicine Department, Vinmec Times City International Hospital