Understanding Elevated Ammonia Levels: Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Question
Hello.  I am in my 30's and was recently hospitalized for colitis and am recovering from pneumonia due to aspiration (was on an ventilator for 2 days).  My PCP called today and said lab work showed my ammonia level is elevated. I will follow up with a GI at the end of January.  I have been very tired, weak, and am sometimes pretty confused.  Could the confusion and weakness be related to the elevated ammonia level?  Is there anything I can do to help myself before my GI appointment?

Answer
I am not sure how high the ammonia level is, but a high level can cause some confusion... that is typically from advanced liver disease but can be aggravated with a big imbalance of the colon bacteria...    I would want to know how high the level is and whether you should have a more urgent liver evaluation.