Q: I am 32 years old and had jaundice 2 months back but now I am fine. But my SGPT levels have been increasing. Does smoking affect these levels? My latest blood report is: total bilirubin -0.7, direct bilirubin - 0.3, indirect bilirubin - 0.4, SGPT (ALT) - 67 and 15 days back it was SGPT (ALT) – 57. Please advise.

A:I note that you recently had jaundice about 2 months back. Your current Liver tests show a normal bilirubin and a slightly raised SGPT of 67. This really should not be a cause of concern. Slight fluctuations in liver enzymes can be seen in the recovery phase of jaundice and should not be a cause of worry. Also smoking does not have an effect on liver enzymes. It may be important in your case to know the type of hepatitis virus. As a precautionary measure I would suggest that you should get your HBsAg and anti-HCV checked. If you are negative for HBsAg, then get the hepatitis B vaccination done. For hepatitis C, as of now there is no vaccine available.