Amylase - Spot Urine

Amylase is a digestive enzyme released mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands. This enzyme is also present in a minimal amount in other tissues. It is regarded as one of the earliest enzymes to have been studied scientifically in human history.

Amylase breaks the bonds in starches, polysaccharides, and complex carbohydrates into sugar to help in easy absorption. In the initial stage, salivary amylase helps individuals to chew their food thoroughly while eating. The starches and polysaccharides are further broken down to extract nutrients to be absorbed later in the digestive process. Additional amylase is released from the pancreas into the small intestine.

High amylase levels, a condition commonly called hyperamylasemia, is commonly associated with pancreatic and salivary diseases. Individuals can also experience this condition in gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and certain gynaecological conditions.

Lower amylase levels are associated with liver diseases and cystic fibrosis. Most people suffer from high levels of amylase, resulting in pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis can be acute when the pancreas becomes inflamed for a short period. Most patients recover quickly as medicine and lifestyle changes can generally cure the condition. If you are diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, you will have to suffer for a long time. Gallstones are the most common cause of pancreatitis. This results from heavy alcohol use, side effects of certain medications, or infection.

Amylase Spot Urine Test is commonly recommended by doctors if they suspects a pancreatic issue in an individual. The test can help to determine the amylase levels in your urine. Common symptoms of pancreas problem may include:

• Persistent belly pain, commonly in the area around your navel
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea

Amylase is excreted into the urine by the kidneys. Unless the kidneys are not functioning properly, the urine levels will also increase if the blood levels are high. For this reason, amylase in urine also gives accurate results.

The spot urine test method is used to conduct the test. For this method, you must collect one sample, preferably early in the morning. You need to submit this sample to the clinic. The sample will be sent for analysis. You can expect the report within 36 hours.

If you are suffering from acute abdominal pain, immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Neglecting this will make the condition worse.

If your doctor suggests an Amylase Spot Urine Test, you can visit Apollo 24|7 or any nearby clinic for the test. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you.

The test may also determine the reason for increased or decreased amylase levels. An abnormal level of amylase indicates that you are suffering from an underlying health condition.