Ammonia
Can consuming food treated with ammonia hydroxide cause health problems?
Effects of a high protein diet and liver disease in an in silico model of human ammonia metabolism
Ammonia Levels
Test:
This test measures the level of ammonia in your blood. Ammonia, also known as NH3, is a waste product made by your body during the digestion of protein. Normally, ammonia is processed in the liver, where it is changed into another waste product called urea. Urea is passed through the body in urine.
If your body can't process or eliminate ammonia, it builds up in the bloodstream. High ammonia levels in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage, coma, and even death.
High ammonia levels in the blood are most often caused by liver disease. Other causes include kidney failure and genetic disorders.
Other names: NH3 test, blood ammonia test, serum ammonia, ammonia; plasma
What is it used for?
An ammonia levels test may be used to diagnose and/or monitor conditions that cause high ammonia levels. These include:
Hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that happens when the liver is too diseased or damaged to properly process ammonia. In this disorder, ammonia builds up in the blood and travels to the brain. It can cause confusion, disorientation, coma, and even death.
Reye syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition that causes damage to the liver and brain. It mostly affects children and teenagers who are recovering from viral infections such as chicken pox or the flu and have taken aspirin to treat their illnesses. The cause of Reye syndrome is unknown. But because of the risk, children and teens should not take aspirin unless specifically recommended by your health care provider.
Urea cycle disorders, rare genetic defects that affect the body's ability to change ammonia into urea.
The test may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for liver disease or kidney failure.
Why do I need an ammonia levels test?
You may need this test if you have liver disease and are showing symptoms of a brain disorder.
Symptoms include:
Confusion
Excessive sleepiness
Disorientation, the condition of being confused about time, place, and/or your surroundings
Mood swings
Hand tremors