SYMPTOMS | CAUSES| TREATMENT

LIVER DISEASE

Introduction to Liver DiseasesThe liver plays an important role in many

bodily functions from protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose (sugar), and iron metabolism.

A liver disease can be genetic or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and persistent alcohol intake.

Liver damage may also lead to hepatitis, liver tumors, and liver abscess.

Symptoms to Liver DiseasesSkin and eyes that appears yellowish (jaundice)Abdominal pain and swellingSwelling in the legs and anklesItchy skinDark urine colourPale stool colour, or bloody or tar- coloured stoolChronic fatigueNausea or vomitingLoss of appetiteTendency to bruise easily

Contributing factor to liver diseaseInfection: Bacteria and viruses can infect the

liver leading to swelling that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood, semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected individual. Common forms of liver infection are Hepatitis A, B and C.

Immune system irregularity: Diseases in which your immune system attacks certain parts of your body can impact your liver. Such autoimmune liver diseases include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Continue:- Contributing factor to liver disease

Genetics: An abnormal gene inherited from one or both of your parents can cause liver damage. Liver diseases caused by genetics include hemochromatosis, hyperoxaluria and oxalosis and Wilson's disease.

Cancer and other growths: Examples of liver diseases caused by cancer growth include liver cancer, bile duct cancer and liver adenoma.

Treatment for liver diseaseTreatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis. Certain liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stopping alcohol use or losing weight, normally as part of a medical program that includes careful monitoring of liver function. Severe liver complications may require medications or surgery. However, a liver disease which causes liver failure may ultimately require a liver transplant.

Operations may be required to treat portal hypertension and minimize the risk of bleeding.

Liver transplantation is the final option for patients whose livers have failed.

Prevention of liver diseaseThere are many things which can be done to prevent liver disease. These may include:

Limiting your alcohol intake to just one drink per day for men, women and older people. You are at great risk of damaging your liver if you drink uncontrollably.

If you are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you've already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.

Continue:- Prevention of liver disease

Take medications only when needed to and in recommended doses. Never mix medications and alcohol.

Avoid contact with other people's blood and body fluids as the hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.

Maintain a healthy weight because being overweight can cause maintain a healthy weight.