This article defines bilirubin and examines the causes of elevated bilirubin levels in adults and newborns. It also looks at the symptoms and treatment options for high bilirubin levels. A high direct bilirubin often means that your body has a harder time removing bilirubin, either due to a liver problem, or blocked bile ducts. However, a result that’s higher than normal, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a health condition needing treatment. Learn about bilirubin levels, their role in liver function, and what high or low bilirubin levels indicate. Understand bilirubin test results, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. However, high bilirubin is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. Addressing that underlying issue is what brings your levels back down. Typical adult bilirubin levels should be below 1.2 mg/dL. Levels above this can vary from person to person and might be slightly higher in men than in women.
