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Any condition that might harm the liver are referred to as “liver diseases” There are several forms of liver disease that can be brought on by infections, hereditary disorders, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Liver disease may eventually result in cirrhosis (scarring) along with additional serious health issues.
The second-largest organ in the human body, after the skin, is the liver. About the size of a football, it is located on the right side slightly under the ribs. The liver plays a crucial role in the digestive system by segregating nutrients and waste as they progress through the body. Additionally, it produces bile, which assists in digestion and transports toxins from the body.
Cirrhosis is a type of scarring that develops as a result of liver injury over time and can result in liver failure, a condition that can be life-threatening. The liver can no longer function normally when more scar tissue takes the place of healthy liver tissue. However, prompt treatment can give the liver enough time to recover.
Symptoms
There aren’t usually obvious signs and symptoms of liver disease. If liver disease symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain and swelling (commonly at the right side)
- Bruising easily
- Swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Pale stool color
- Chronic fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
If someone have any these signs and symptoms or indications that do not go away, they should schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider. If they are experiencing significant abdominal pain that makes it impossible for them to remain still, they should seek emergency medical treatment.
Causes
A number of causes can lead to different kinds of liver disease. Liver disease might be brought on by:
- Infection: The liver can get infected by parasites and viruses, which results in inflammation and decreased liver function. The viruses that harm the liver can be transmitted by contaminated food or water, blood or semen, or direct contact with an infected individual. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are among the most common types of viral infections that can lead to hepatitis.
- Autoimmune: The liver may be affected by autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system unintentionally attacks certain body organs. This consists of primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Inherited disease: Some genetic conditions acquired from one or both parents can cause various substances to accumulate in the liver and lead to liver damage. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson’s disease, and hemochromatosis are examples of genetic liver diseases.
- Cancer: Tumors may form when abnormal liver cells grow and multiply. Benign (noncancerous) or malignant (liver cancer) tumors might be present.
- Consuming toxins: The usage of alcohol contributes to fatty liver disease. Too much fat consumption leads to non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With rising obesity trends, NAFLD is becoming more common. Certain components of herbs and over-the-counter as well as prescription medications may also cause liver damage.
Risk factors
The following factors could increase the risk of liver disease:
- Family history of liver disease
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Injecting and sharing needles
- Blood transfusion before 1992
- Other people’s blood and body fluids exposure
- Unprotected intercourse
- Chemicals or toxins exposure
Diagnosis
Treatment should be based on the cause and severity of liver disease. The healthcare provider may additionally suggest one or more tests in order to correctly identify and determine the cause of liver illness. These may consist of:
- Physical examination: A comprehensive physical exam and a health history are likely to be the first steps taken by the healthcare provider.
- Blood tests. The diagnosis of liver disease can be made through a class of blood tests known as liver function tests. Abnormal liver enzymes level may indicate the liver issues. In order to check for particular liver problems or hereditary diseases, further blood tests might be performed.
- Imaging tests: An ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan can be used by a healthcare provider to check the liver for signs of injury, scarring, or tumors. The degree of liver fat accumulation and scarring may be assessed using the fibroscan, a different specialized form of ultrasound.
- Tissue biopsy: A liver biopsy can be performed to obtain a tissue sample that helps in the diagnosis of liver disease and to search for indicators of liver damage. Typically, a long needle is used to retrieve a tissue sample from the liver and then send it to a lab for analysis during a liver biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment for liver disease varies based on the patient’s liver disease type and how far it has advanced. Possible treatments include:
- Medications: Medication is sometimes used by healthcare providers to treat certain kinds of liver disease. Infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis, or hereditary disorders, such as Wilson disease, may be treated with medication.
- Lifestyle change: Certain kinds of liver disease can be managed by the patient through diets. Avoiding alcohol, cutting back on fat and calories, and boosting fiber consumption may all benefit someone with liver disease. Alcohol abstinence can help liver damage caused by alcohol.
- Liver transplant: A liver transplant may be the most effective course of treatment when liver disease leads to liver failure. A liver transplant involves the substitution of a diseased liver with a healthy liver.
Many persons with liver disease can prevent severe liver damage and liver failure with early treatment and effective lifestyle adjustments.
