Gilbert Syndrome

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional may suspect Gilbert syndrome if you have unexplained jaundice or if your blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels. Other possible symptoms, such as dark urine or abdominal pain, can also point toward Gilbert syndrome or other liver-related conditions.

To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other liver problems, your healthcare provider may recommend:

Complete blood count (CBC): Checks for overall blood health and rules out other conditions that might cause jaundice.
Liver function tests: Measure enzyme levels to assess how well your liver is working.
Bilirubin test: Detects the amount of bilirubin in your blood. Elevated bilirubin with otherwise normal test results is a strong indicator of Gilbert syndrome.

In most cases, no further testing is needed. However, genetic testing can confirm Gilbert syndrome if there is uncertainty or if other conditions need to be excluded.

Treatment

Gilbert syndrome is a harmless condition and usually doesn’t require any treatment. Bilirubin levels may rise and fall naturally over time, sometimes leading to mild jaundice that resolves on its own.

Because the condition doesn’t cause lasting harm, management focuses on lifestyle habits and avoiding triggers that increase bilirubin levels.

Self care

Episodes of jaundice or elevated bilirubin in Gilbert syndrome can be triggered by certain life events or conditions such as illness, fasting, or stress. Taking preventive steps can help you keep bilirubin levels more stable.

Here are a few helpful self-care practices:

Inform all healthcare professionals that you have Gilbert syndrome, since it can affect how your body processes some medications.
Maintain a balanced, healthy diet and avoid extreme calorie restriction or fasting.
Follow a consistent eating schedule and don’t skip meals.
Manage stress through exercise, meditation, relaxation techniques, or listening to music.

With these habits and regular communication with your healthcare team, you can live comfortably with Gilbert syndrome without complications.