The liver is the largest organ in the human body, and its size directly correlates to its importance. The liver is responsible for hundreds of activities essential to your health. The following list gives just a small glimpse into the daily functions of the liver:
Liver disease is a term for any condition that negatively impacts the liver and its function. The most common liver diseases in the world are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver disease. If left untreated, liver disease will progress to liver failure and, ultimately, death.
The symptoms for liver disease include the following:
Contact your doctor if you experience the more serious symptoms of jaundice, abdominal pain, swelling in your legs and ankles, dark urine, or pale stool.
The causes for liver disease include the following:
The following risk factors increase one’s probability of becoming afflicted with a liver disease:
Liver disease is diagnosed through the following methods:
These blood tests are also known as liver function tests. They seek to quantify the amount of liver enzymes (i.e., alanine transaminase) and other substances (i.e., bilirubin) present in the blood.
Imaging tests are taken via ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans. They are used to look for any damage, cirrhosis, or tumours in the liver.
A fibroscan is similar to an ultrasound and is used to measure the amount of scarring and fat present in the liver.
A sample of the liver is taken during biopsy and sent for evaluation.
Without treatment, liver disease can develop into liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, or liver failure. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for those suffering from liver disease. They include:
Certain liver diseases respond well to medications. Examples of such liver diseases are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and Wilson disease.
Certain liver diseases respond well to lifestyle changes. For example, alcohol-related liver disease can be treated through abstinence from alcohol. Fatty liver disease can be treated through a healthy diet.
A liver transplant is recommended when liver disease has progressed to liver failure.
Steps can be taken to prevent certain types of liver disease. These steps include:
You can prevent yourself from contracting viral hepatitis, one of the most common types of liver disease, by practicing a safe lifestyle. This entails practicing safe sex and avoiding contact with other people’s blood and bodily fluids. In addition, do not share needles when injecting drugs. If getting tattoos or piercings, ensure standards of safety and cleanliness are being used. You should also know that vaccinations are offered that can prevent infection from the hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses. These preventative measures can help you avoid serious liver damage.