You've been having stomach pains for a few days, especially around your belly button. You can't eat, and you feel like vomiting. So when you go to see a doctor, he examines you and prescribes a blood test . It's called the Amylase Test . When you hear this name, you might feel a little scared, "What new test is this?" Don't worry. This is a routine test that is often done to check the pancreas , which is a very important organ in our body. Let's talk about it simply today.
Let's first see, what is amylase?
Simply put, amylase is a protein produced in our body. To be precise, it is an enzyme. These are mainly produced in two places. One is the pancreas that I mentioned earlier. The other is the salivary glands in our mouth and throat.
So what is the main function of this amylase enzyme? It is to digest the carbohydrates and starches in the foods we eat, such as rice, bread, and potatoes, and turn them into simple sugars . When they are converted into sugar, our body can absorb that energy.
It is normal to have some amylase in our blood. There is nothing wrong with that. But if this amount is much higher than normal , it gives our doctor some clues that perhaps there is some blockage, damage, or inflammation in your pancreas.
Why am I being asked to take this test?
There may be several main reasons why your doctor may order this test.
If pancreatitis is suspected
This is the most common cause. We call pancreatitis an inflammation of the pancreas. It can happen suddenly (Acute Pancreatitis), or it can develop over time (Chronic Pancreatitis). During this time, you may experience symptoms such as:
- A severe, persistent pain in the stomach, especially around the navel.
- Fever.
- The food is tasteless.
- Nausea and vomiting .
In times like these, your doctor will order another test along with the amylase test. It's called lipase . Lipase is another enzyme produced by the pancreas. It helps digest the fats in the food we eat, just like amylase digests carbohydrates. When you put the results of both tests together, your doctor can get a much clearer picture of the condition of your pancreas.
If there is any suspicion of other obstructions
In addition to pancreatitis, this test is done if there is a suspicion of a blockage in the ducts that carry our digestive enzymes to the small intestine. There are several possible causes of this blockage:
- Gallstones: Gallstones that form in the gallbladder can block the pancreatic duct.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Some cancers can also block these ducts.
- Narrowing of the duct: This duct or its associated muscles may become narrow due to other reasons.
Monitor other medical conditions
This test is sometimes used to monitor the condition of people with conditions like cystic fibrosis . In this disease, the secretions in the body become very thick, and the thick secretions can block the pathways for pancreatic enzymes. In such cases, the level of amylase in the blood also increases.
Do I need to prepare anything before the test?
Actually, there is nothing special you need to prepare for this test. However, there is one very important thing. That is, tell the doctor about all the medications you are currently taking.
That means you should definitely inform your doctor about not only the Western medications you are taking, but also the vitamins, herbal medicines, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines you are using.
Because some medications, such as aspirin, birth control pills, some opiates, and diuretics, can affect the results of this test. Also, if you drink alcohol , it is very important to tell your doctor about it. Because alcohol can also increase amylase levels.
What do the results say?
It usually takes a day or two for the report to arrive. Don't panic when you see the values on the report. Only your doctor knows exactly what they mean. But for your information, let's take a look at what these results usually mean.
| Status | Possible reason (in simple terms) |
|---|---|
| If your amylase level is low | |
| Chronic Pancreatitis | Due to prolonged inflammation, the pancreas has been damaged and the cells that produce amylase have been destroyed. |
| Cystic Fibrosis | This disease may be caused by damage to the pancreas. |
| Liver failure | Amylase levels can sometimes be low in severe liver disease. |
| If you have a high amylase level | |
| Acute Pancreatitis | This is the most common cause. The pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed. |
| Poor Kidney Function | When the kidneys are unable to properly filter and remove amylase, its levels in the blood increase. |
| Swelling of the salivary glands / Mumps | If the other place where amylase is produced, that is, the salivary glands, becomes inflamed, the level in the blood increases. |
| Some cancer conditions | Levels can also be elevated in cancers such as the pancreas, lungs, breast, and ovaries. |
| Certain infections and other conditions | Infections such as appendicitis and drug use can also increase the risk. |
When you see this table, you will understand that a change in amylase level is not a single disease, but can be caused by many reasons. That is why I said, do not go and make a diagnosis based on the report alone .
Your doctor will compare this report with your symptoms, and the results of any other tests (e.g., lipase test, scans) to determine your exact condition.
Take-Home Message
- Amylase is an enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands that helps digest carbohydrates.
- This blood test mainly checks for any problems with the pancreas, especially pancreatitis.
- Be sure to tell the doctor about all medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications) and alcohol use before the test.
- There can be a number of reasons why blood amylase levels can be high or low. So, don't panic after seeing the report.
- Talk to your doctor clearly about the meaning of your report and what to do next. He or she will give you the guidance you need.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment