What does alpha-amylase in the blood say?

A group of enzymes, united under the name "amylase", plays an important role in our body, converting some substances into others. There are three types of such substances: alpha, beta and gamma. Of these, consider one - alpha-amylase. Exceeding the norm of this substance is often the very first sign of quite unpleasant diseases.

Alpha-amylase, or, as it is called, diastase is a special enzyme, calcium-dependent. It is produced not only in humans, but also in animals. There are two types: amylase of the pancreas and salivary glands. 60% of the total amount of amylase that is produced in the body, produce salivary glands, and the remaining 40% - the pancreas. Alpha-amylase divides sugar molecules, from which the result is simpler compounds. In general, starch as a more complex substance decomposes to maltose, etc. in the process of interaction with a-amylase. The enzyme begins to act in the presence of chlorine particles. Thus, the enzyme alpha-amylase is involved in the process of digestion and processing of food. It leaves the body through the kidneys along with the urine.

The analysis on the level of amylase is carried out in the event that the patient experiences acute pains in the lower abdomen and with suspicion of pancreatic diseases. In this case, a significant amount of alpha-amylase is possible in the blood. The norm is 28-100 units of amylase per liter of blood. Not to be confused with the norm of pancreatic amylase - it is usually much lower. The norm of amylase is the same for both men and women. Amylase is contained in the gastrointestinal tract and should not practically enter the bloodstream. In the event that the organs producing the enzyme alpha-amylase are damaged, its norm may be exceeded. Such organs are the pancreas and salivary glands - it is there that this substance is produced. The excess of the norm can be determined both by blood tests and by urinalysis. Before taking blood tests, you should not consume alcoholic beverages to know exactly how much alpha-amylase is in your blood. The norm of this enzyme in the analysis of urine is from one to seventeen physiological units. Approximately one week before the delivery of such tests, the patient should talk with the doctor, tell what medications he is taking. Probably some of these drugs will have to be canceled.

A lot of diseases can be indicated by increased alpha-amylase of blood. This may be a symptom of diseases such as pancreatitis, any pancreatic formation, bile duct problems, acute peritonitis, parotitis, diabetes, kidney failure. If the rate is exceeded several times, then this indicates that there is clearly something wrong with some organ of your body. If the alpha-amylase of the blood is not increased significantly, it is most likely a sign of the appearance of pathologies in the pancreas. If the patient has pancreatic cancer, then the level of the enzyme will increase very slightly or in general there will be no excess of the norm. Therefore, in the diagnosis of cancer, other methods of investigation are used.

The reasons for which amylase is increased may not be associated with any disease. These are bruises of the abdominal cavity, miscarriage or an abortion.

With inflammation of the pancreas (any form of it), as well as in mumps, the norm of alpha-amylase is greatly exceeded.

Another reason for a possible increase is ectopic pregnancy, diabetic coma or alcohol intoxication. Alpha-amylase can also be increased in some cases due to stress.

We have considered only those cases when there is too much alpha-amylase in the blood. Its norm, however, may be understated. The level of the enzyme can be lowered or even have a zero value. If the alpha-amylase of blood is less than 25 units per liter, then it means that the glands secreting it work sluggishly. This can happen because of acute or chronic hepatitis or because of pancreatic insufficiency. Those pregnant women who suffer from toxicosis can also be significantly underestimated alpha-amylase blood. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic ailment that affects the glands, including those that produce amylase.