Liver Disease
There are various kinds of liver diseases (hepatic diseases) and conditions. The disease may run in families (genetic). Many factors are responsible for causing liver disorders, they are as follows:
- Viruses, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hepatitis E
- Excess alcohol consumption and Drugs
- Obesity, Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus,Hyperlipidemia disease ( Fatty liver Diseases)
- Genetic diseases, such as Wilson disease and hemochromatosis.
If left untreated all the above can lead to Liver cirrhosis and HCC, therefore early treatment can prevent severity of the condition.
Liver is located on the right side of the abdomen under the ribs. The liver is crucial for both food digestion and detoxifying the body from harmful toxins. The organ separates the nutrients as they move through the digestive system. It also produces bile, a fluid that aids in digestion and removes toxins from the body.
Symptoms of Liver disease
There are not many liver disease symptoms. The symptoms observed in this condition are:
- Eyes and skin that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen
- Edema in the ankles and legs
- Skin itching
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored stool
- Prolonged tiredness
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Easy bruising
When to see a doctor?
If you are concerned about any persistent signs or symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor. If your abdominal discomfort is so intense that you are unable to remain still, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Get the best treatment for all types of liver diseases from the top Gastroenterologists and hepatologists at Medicover Hospitals.
Causes
There are various reasons of liver disease, they 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 below 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
Risk Factors
The risk of developing liver disorders increases in the following conditions:
- Heavy 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
Complications
Untreated liver infections may develop into liver failure, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer problems that pose a serious risk to life.
Prevention
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.
Maintain a healthy weight
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can result from obesity, hence maintain a good body weight.
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 comprehensive medical history and physical examination. A doctor might advise the following tests:
Blood test
The diagnosis of liver disease can be made by blood tests known as liver function tests. In order to check for specific liver issues or genetic diseases, additional blood tests can be performed.
Imaging tests
Liver damage can be detected by an ultrasound test, CT scan, or MRI.
Examination of a tissue sample
In order to diagnose liver illness a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken from the liver. A long needle is used during a liver biopsy to remove tissue samples from the organ that are then sent to a lab for analysis.
Treatment for Liver disease
The diagnosis will determine liver treatment. Some liver conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as giving up drinking or decreasing weight, eating less salt longwith a medical plan that also includes continuous liver function monitoring.
Other liver problems can need surgery or drug treatment. A liver transplant may be needed in case of liver failure or ESLD(End Stage Liver Disease)
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.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Do regular exercises | Drink alcohol and smoke |
| Eat a well-balanced diet and eat less fatty foods and more fibre. | Increase salt intake in your food |
| Maintain a healthy body weight | Eat too much processed or junk foods. |
| Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. | Skip taking liver medicines |
| Drink plenty of water. | Forget to consult your doctor. |
Viruses, alcohol use, and obesity are the most common of the many variables that can harm the liver and result in liver disorders. Therefore, follow the above do’s and don'ts for liver disease if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
Liver Disease Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing empathetic healthcare services. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of liver disease, based on which a dedicated treatment plan is designed. We have an excellent team of gastroenterologists and hepatologists who diagnose and treat hepatic diseases with utmost precision resulting in successful treatment outcomes.
