What are the causes and symptoms of liver disease? How to prevent it?

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What are the causes and symptoms of liver disease? How to prevent it?

  • May 24, 2021

  • 2938 Views

Introduction

The liver is an important organ in the body that is present around the rib cage and it is on the abdomen sides. The liver functioning is important as it helps in food digestion and removes the harmful toxins in the body. In some cases, liver disease can be genetic and in that case, utmost care needs to be taken. The liver problem can occur due to different factors which leads to liver damage through:

  • Excess weight
  • Alcohol use
  • Virus

In worse cases, problems can lead to liver scarring which leads to liver failure. This is the reason, it is suggested that you take proper care of your health all the time and get the treatment right away.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Liver disease symptoms are noticed right away and it occurs over some time. Usually, you might notice symptoms like:

  • Skin and eyes appear yellow (jaundice)
  • Itchy skin
  • Dark urine color
  • Pale stool color
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Legs and ankles swelling
  • Tendency to bruise easily

What are the causes of liver disease?

There are different causes of liver disease which includes:

Infection

The liver can get affected by viruses and parasites which eventually leads to liver problems. Due to the virus, the liver is damaged which can spread to the blood or semen. The most common types of liver infection include the following:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

Immune system abnormality

It means that your immune system starts attacking itself, instead of protecting it, basically the liver. The diseases included in it are:

  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Primary biliary cholangitis
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Genetics

In some cases, a person inherits an abnormal gene from their parents which impacts their liver health. Eventually, the problem will lead to liver damage. Some examples of genetic liver diseases are:

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Cancer and other growths

Cancer can start growing on the liver and some of its examples are:

  • Liver cancer
  • Bile duct cancer
  • Liver adenoma

What are the common risk factors of liver disease?

  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Unprotected sex
  • Tattoos or body piercings
  • Injecting drugs using shared needles
  • Blood transfusion before 1992
  • Chemicals or toxins exposure
  • History of liver disease
  • Exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids

What are the ways to prevent liver disease?

  • Reduce alcohol consumption

Make sure that you drink alcohol in moderation like for women 1 drink is enough per day and for men 2 drinks are enough in a day. If you drink more than that, the chances of liver disease will increase.

  • Indulge in safe practices

You must do safe practices daily like, if you want to get a tattoo, then make sure the syringe is clean. Make sure what you do or have, should not affect your liver health.

  • Get vaccinated

Make sure that you get yourself vaccinated so that the risk of hepatitis virus is reduced. Talk to the doctor about what you should do.

Additional preventive measures

  • Take medications correctly
  • Take care of aerosol sprays
  • Keep your body weight normal
  • Wash your hands before eating
  • Protect the skin
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Liver Disease: What is liver disease, its function, causes, and symptoms?

  • May 19, 2021

  • 8773 Views

Overview

The liver plays an imperative role in carrying out various bodily functions from blood clotting and protein production to sugar & iron metabolism. Considering the given situation, it is important to take proper care of your liver and overall health. COVID-19 patients have higher chances of getting diagnosed with liver disease or liver damage. So, it is better to be cautious as it will help to take control over the situation at the right time.

The function of the Liver

The liver makes bile which is the fluid that contains other substances, chemicals, water, and bile acids. The liver is like a power-house of performing various vital functions in the body which are:

  • Bild production is necessary for food digestion.
  • Store extra glucose or sugar as glycogen which is then converted into glucose when the body needs energy.
  • Production of amino acids along with the ones which are necessary to fight infection.
  • Production of blood clotting factors
  • Production and storage of iron which is helpful in red blood cell production.
  • Medications are metabolized into the necessary ingredients in the body.

What is liver disease?

Liver disease is the disturbance of liver function which leads to illness. The liver carries out imperative functions in the body and if it is affected the body is affected to a great extent. In medical terms, it is also known as hepatic disease. The liver is the largest solid organ and it carries out various functions. The portal vein delivers chemicals and proteins which are necessary to produce the cholesterol, protein, and glycogen to carry out the normal functioning of the body.

Causes of Liver Disease

There are different conditions and diseases which can affect the liver through certain drug consumption like acetaminophen and its combination with other medications like Norco & Vicodin. Other causes of liver disease include:

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Cirrhosis
  • Statins
  • Hepatitis A, B, C, E, and D
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Iron Overload

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease

Signs and symptoms are linked with liver disease and these may vary depending on what exactly is the issue. Some of the major signs and symptoms of liver disease are mentioned below:

  • Jaundice
  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Itchy skin
  • Dark urine color
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Pale stool color
  • Bloody stool
  • Tar-colored stool
  • Swelling in the ankles and legs
  • Loss of appetite
  • Easy bruising

When should you consult the medical expert for liver disease?

In most cases, liver disease is an onset process and you are not able to notice the specific symptoms which tell you that you need to get medical attention. Although, the symptoms like weight loss, weakness, and fatigue are not the reason to seek medical treatment on an emergency basis.

But, if you notice yellow skin or have jaundice then make sure to consult the doctor right away. Along with that these symptoms also need medical assistance on a prompt basis like:

  • Persistent fever
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

It is important to not neglect the situation at any cost as the problem can get worse in the future. Emergency and medical evaluation on an urgent basis are necessary to ensure liver health is right.

Schedule an appointment, without any delay

If you are suspected to have liver disease or diagnosed with one, then schedule your initial consultation with us. Our experienced liver doctor will provide you a customized treatment approach that helps to improve your condition and you can live a better life.