Liver Diseases
What all do you need to know about liver problems and how it is diagnosed?
Overview
The liver is an important organ as it performs different tasks that are linked to energy storage, detoxification of waste, and metabolism. It helps in digesting the food, converting food into energy, and storing it till the time you need it. It also helps in taking away the toxic substance out of the bloodstream. Liver disease means a condition that impacts your liver. Different factors can impact your liver.
What are the common liver issues?
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the liver viral infection which results in inflammation & liver damage. Due to this, the normal functioning of the liver will get impacted. The risk factor can be reduced by getting the vaccination on time and taking preventive measures which include not using other needles, and practicing safe sex. The 5 types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.
Fatty liver disease
The fatty liver disease triggers because of fat buildup in the liver. Fatty liver is because of 2 types which include:
- Excess alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic fatty liver problems.
- Other factors are not known which triggers the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
If the condition is left unmanaged then the problem can increase which leads to liver failure and cirrhosis. You need to make changes in the diet and change your lifestyle.
Cancer
Liver cancer develops in the liver. In case, it develops in other body parts and then spreads to the liver is known as secondary liver cancer. If other liver diseases are not treated on time then it can increase the chances of liver cancer.
Genetic conditions
There are many genetic conditions which can be inherited from the parents and it affects the liver are:
- Hemochromatosis causes your body to store more iron. If iron stays in the organ for a long time then it leads to excessive damage.
- Wilson’s disease makes the liver absorb copper, however, it needs to reach the bile duct. This can damage different body parts and also the brain.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AT) deficiency is linked to reduced production of alpha-1 antitrypsin, in the body.
Autoimmune conditions
An autoimmune condition means the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells in the body. Some of the conditions which lead to problems are:
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (damage to the bile ducts)
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (damage to the bile ducts resulting in bile buildup)
- Autoimmune hepatitis (immune system attack the liver)
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is linked to scarring and additional reasons which lead to liver damage. Syphilis and cystic fibrosis lead to cirrhosis. Increased scar tissue means liver functioning is impacted greatly. Diagnosing the problem at the early stage will help to treat it but if the problem is left untreated then it affects your overall health.
Liver failure
Chronic liver failure when the liver part is damaged and its functioning is impacted. In most cases, liver failure occurs slowly. Sometimes, the patient does not have any symptom but with time they might notice:
- Jaundice
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
With this condition, it is important to focus on your health. If you are wondering what can be done to manage the situation then consult our liver doctor today only.
Final thought!
Liver diseases are manageable if the problem is checked at the starting stage. However, if the condition is left untreated it leads to permanent damage. Make sure to visit your doctor for a routine checkup and get regular testing, if required.
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