Liver Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Chetan Rathi , Gastroenterologists Medical

---

Liver disease means there's something wrong with how your liver is working. Your liver plays a big role in keeping your body healthy. It filters out toxins, helps with digestion, and stores energy. When the liver gets damaged, it can't do these jobs well.

Liver disease can happen suddenly (acute) or slowly over time (chronic). Many things can cause liver problems, like infections (such as hepatitis), heavy alcohol use, fatty foods, or even some medications.

What's the Difference Between Liver Disease and Chronic Liver Disease?

Diseases that directly impact the liver are referred to as liver diseases. There are various kinds of liver diseases (hepatic diseases) and conditions. The disease may run in families (genetic).

Now let's clear up the difference:

• Liver Disease: This is a general term. It means your liver isn't working right. It might be a short-term issue that can get better with treatment.
• Chronic Liver Disease: This means the liver has been damaged for a long time, usually over six months or more. It doesn't just go away and needs long-term care.

Key differences to remember:

• Liver disease can be temporary or long-term
• Chronic liver disease is long-lasting and can lead to serious issues if not treated
• Chronic conditions may lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)

---

What are the Types of Liver Disease?

The liver is a vital organ responsible for a multitude of functions in the body. Liver diseases can vary widely in their causes, symptoms, and severity. Here are five main types of liver disease:

• Hepatitis: Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses (such as hepatitis A, B, or hepatitis C), excessive alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases, or medications. Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) or (long-term), and it can lead to liver damage or failure if not treated.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and alcoholism. Over time, the liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which impairs liver function. Cirrhosis is irreversible but can be managed to slow its progression.
• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is a condition in which excess fat is stored in the liver. It is not caused by alcohol consumption and is commonly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and high levels of fats (triglycerides) in the blood. NAFLD can range from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves inflammation and liver cell damage.
• Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD): ALD is a range of liver conditions caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It includes fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), and cirrhosis. ALD typically develops after years of heavy drinking, but not everyone who drinks heavily will develop liver disease.
• Liver Cancer: Liver cancer can either start in the liver (primary liver cancer) or spread to the liver from another organ (metastatic liver cancer). Primary liver cancer, most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), often develops in individuals with liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

These are just some of the main types of liver disease, but there are other less common conditions as well. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing liver disease and preventing complications.

---

What Are the Stages of Liver Disease?

Liver disease doesn't happen overnight. It usually develops in stages, and understanding these stages can help you spot problems early and take better care of your health. Here's a breakdown of how liver disease typically progresses:

• Stage 1: Inflammation: This is the earliest stage where the liver becomes swollen or irritated. It may not cause obvious symptoms, but it's a warning sign that the liver is under stress, often from infections, alcohol, or fatty buildup.
• Stage 2: Fibrosis: If the inflammation continues, scar tissue begins to form. This scarring affects how well your liver works, but the liver can still recover at this point if appropriately treated.
• Stage 3: Cirrhosis: At this stage, the scarring becomes more serious and permanent. The liver becomes stiff, and its ability to function properly is reduced. You might start noticing symptoms like fatigue, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), or swelling in the legs.
• Stage 4: Liver Failure: This is the most severe stage. The liver stops working completely, which can be life-threatening. Immediate medical care is needed.

---

What are the Symptoms of Liver Disease?

Liver disease can develop quietly, especially in the early stages. Many people may not notice any signs of Liver disease until the condition has progressed. However, your body may give you some early clues that your liver isn't working as it should.

Early Liver Disease Symptoms:

• Fatigue or feeling very tired even after resting
• Loss of appetite
• Mild pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
• Nausea or feeling like you might vomit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale or light-colored stool

If you notice any of these signs for more than a few days, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. Catching liver problems early can help avoid serious damage.

What Are the Later-Stage Symptoms of Liver Disease?

When liver disease gets worse, the symptoms become more noticeable and serious.

Later-Stage Liver Disease Symptoms:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen
• Itchy skin
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Confusion or trouble focusing (due to toxin buildup)
• Frequent infections
• Vomiting blood or blood in stool

These signs may mean the liver is struggling badly. Medical care is urgent at this stage to prevent liver failure.

---

What are the Causes of Liver Disease?

Liver disease can happen for many reasons, and it often starts quietly without clear symptoms. Understanding what causes liver disease can help you take steps to protect your liver and overall health. There are various reasons for liver disease, which are as follows:

Infection

The liver can become infected by viruses, which results in inflammation and decreased liver function.

The viruses that harm the liver can be transmitted through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or direct contact with an infected individual. Hepatitis viruses are the most prevalent causes of liver infection. The viruses include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

After Infections, the following are the important causes of liver disease:

• Long-term alcoholism
• A buildup of fat in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)
• Certain over-the-counter or prescription drugs
• A few herbal ingredients

Immune system dysfunction

The liver may be impacted by autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks particular body organs. Various autoimmune liver conditions include:

• Hepatitis auto-immune
• Biliary cholangitis primary
• First-stage sclerosing cholangitis

Genetics

The build up of numerous harmful substances in the liver can result in liver disorders if you have a faulty gene received from your parents. The genetic hepatic conditions comprise:

• Hemochromatosis
• Wilson's illness
• A lack of alpha-1 antitrypsin

Cancerous growth such as:

• Liver tumor
• Biliary duct cancer

---

What are the Risk Factors of Liver Disease?

The risk of developing liver disorders increases in the following conditions:

• Heavy alcohol drinking
• Obesity
• Diabetes (type 2)
• Body art or piercings
• Sharing infected needles
• Transfusion of blood
• Exposure to bodily fluids and blood of infected people
• Exposure to certain acidic substances
• An inheritance of liver illness

---

How to do the Diagnosis of Liver Disease?

The key to treating liver damage is determining its cause and knowing its severity. The doctor will begin by taking a complete medical history and physical examination.

If you're experiencing fatigue, yellowing of the skin, or pain in the upper right side of your belly, your doctor may suggest some tests to check how well your liver is working. These tests help identify liver problems early, allowing for treatment before they become serious.

Here are some common tests used to diagnose liver disease:

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): These blood tests measure liver enzymes and proteins. They show if your liver is inflamed or damaged.
• Bilirubin Test: Checks the level of bilirubin in your blood. High levels can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Albumin Test: Measures a protein made by the liver. Low levels may mean your liver isn't working properly.
• Prothrombin Time (PT): This test shows how well your blood clots. A slow clotting time can signal liver issues.
• Ultrasound or Imaging Scans: These help doctors see the liver's shape and size, and check for signs of damage or fatty liver.
• Liver Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken to check for scarring or more serious problems.

---

What are the Treatment Options for Liver Disease?

Treating liver disease depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. The good news is that with the right care and early action, many liver problems can be managed or even reversed. The diagnosis will determine liver treatment. Your doctor will create a plan that fits your specific condition and overall health.

Here are some standard liver disease treatment options:

• Lifestyle changes: If your liver is under stress due to alcohol, fatty foods, or being overweight, simple changes like eating healthy, staying active, and avoiding alcohol can make a big difference.
• Medications: Certain liver conditions, like hepatitis, can be treated with prescribed medicines to control the infection or reduce inflammation.
• Managing other health issues: Keeping conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol under control can help protect your liver.
• Regular monitoring: Doctors may recommend regular blood tests or scans to check how well your liver is functioning over time.
• Liver transplant (in severe cases): If the liver is badly damaged and other treatments don't work, a liver transplant might be needed.

Always follow your liver expert's advice and avoid self-medication. Early treatment and regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining a healthy and strong liver.

---

When to See a Doctor for Liver Disease Treatment?

Liver disease can sometimes show up quietly, but early signs shouldn't be ignored. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if your current health condition starts to worsen, it's best to check in with a doctor.

See a doctor if you experience:

• Constant tiredness or low energy
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Ongoing stomach pain or swelling
• Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss
• Dark-colored urine or pale stool
• Itchy skin that doesn't go away
• Confusion or memory issues

People with a history of alcohol use, hepatitis, obesity, or a family history of liver conditions should get regular checkups, even if they feel fine. The sooner liver problems are found, the easier they are to manage.

---

What Is the Recovery Process After Liver Disease Treatment?

Recovery after liver disease treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease. It's a journey, but with the right care and lifestyle changes, most people can feel much better over time.

What recovery usually includes:

• Regular follow-ups to track liver function
• Healthy eating habits (low fat, low salt, and no alcohol)
• Plenty of fluids to help the body heal
• Medications (as prescribed) to manage the condition
• Gentle exercise to stay active without straining the body
• Adequate rest to help your liver repair itself

With the support of your doctor and care team, you can take steps toward feeling better and avoiding future liver issues.

---

What is the Prevention of Liver Disease?

For the prevention of liver problems, follow these points:

• Quit taking alcohol: Do not take alcohol, it is one of the best ways to prevent all kinds of heart problems and liver disorders.
• Hepatitis vaccination: Consult your doctor about receiving the hepatitis A and B vaccines if there is a higher chance of developing hepatitis.
• Take medicines: as directed. Take only prescription and over-the-counter medications as directed by the doctor. Before combining herbal supplements with prescription or over-the-counter medications, consult your doctor.
• Maintain food hygiene: Before consuming food or preparing it, properly wash your hands. Use bottled water when going out, wash your hands frequently and maintain personal hygiene.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can result from obesity, hence maintain a good body weight.

---

What Are the Complications of Liver Disease?

Liver disease doesn't just affect the liver. It can lead to several serious health problems if not managed on time. Your liver plays a key role in keeping your body healthy, so when it starts to fail, other parts of your body can be affected too.

Here are some common complications that may arise from liver disease:

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bile in the body.
• Fluid buildup (Ascites): Swelling in the belly caused by fluid collecting in the abdomen.
• Bleeding problems: The liver helps with blood clotting, so damage can lead to easy bruising or bleeding.
• Liver failure: When the liver stops working completely, it can lead to life-threatening issues.
• Infections: A weak liver can make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
• Hepatic encephalopathy: Confusion, memory loss, or mood changes due to toxins not being cleared by the liver.
• Kidney problems: In advanced cases, the kidneys may also be affected.

---

Dos and Don'ts

Liver disease (hepatic disease) of various types requires proper management. Follow a set of do's and don'ts to treat it and its related symptoms and complications of liver.

---

Our Experience Treating Liver Disease

If you've been told you have a liver problem, don't panic, you're not alone, and care is always available. At Medicover Hospitals, we've cared for many patients with different kinds of liver diseases, from mild issues to serious conditions. We understand that hearing the word “liver disease” can be scary, but please know, this is a treatable condition, and with the right care, things can get better.

We are here to walk with you every step of the way. Our team listens, explains everything in simple terms, and creates a care plan that fits your needs. You are never just a number to us, we truly care about your health and recovery.

You don't have to go through this alone. Be strong. With the right care and a positive mindset, recovery is possible, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

---