Amylase is one of the most important enzymes in the digestive system. Excess or lack of the enzyme amylase can be a sign of health problems. You will need to do a blood test and a urine test to determine the level of the enzyme amylase in the body.
The enzyme amylase is produced in the pancreas and salivary glands which produce saliva. In the digestive system, the role of the amylase enzyme is as an agent that accelerates the breakdown of starch molecules from carbohydrates into sugars.
When the pancreas is disturbed, such as inflammation, the production of the enzyme amylase can decrease or become more. Therefore, abnormal amylase levels can be a sign of a disorder in the pancreas or the presence of certain infectious diseases.
Tests to Determine Amylase Enzyme Levels in the Body
Amylase enzyme levels can be determined through blood and urine tests. In addition to knowing the amount of amylase enzyme in the body, this examination can also help determine the cause of changes in amylase enzyme levels.
Checking amylase levels is recommended, especially if you have severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite. The above symptoms can be a sign of a disorder in the pancreas, associated with an increase and decrease in the amount of the enzyme amylase in the body.
Health Disorders That Affect Amylase Enzyme Levels
After getting the results of the examination, you can determine the possibility of certain diseases. Various health problems that can be characterized by increased levels of the amylase enzyme, including:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Pancreatic abscess
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gastroenteritis and peptic ulcers
- Cholecystitis
- Macroamylasemia
- Pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy)
- Intestinal obstruction and appendicitis
- Infection of the salivary glands
- Effects of certain drugs
Meanwhile, if the level of the enzyme amylase is low, it may be because the pancreas is no longer able to produce protein in sufficient quantities. Some health problems that may cause this are:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Preeclampsia
- Kidney illness
- cystic fibrosis
If it has been recommended by a doctor, do not hesitate to undergo blood and urine tests to determine the level of the amylase enzyme in the body. If the results of the examination show changes in the level of the amylase enzyme, you should immediately conduct further examinations to the doctor, so that the cause can be identified and treatment given as soon as possible.