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Liver Disease (a.k.a: Hepatic Disease) refers to disturbance in liver functioning. Liver disease is a broad term that includes various types of diseases occurring in different parts of the liver. The symptoms of liver disease occur only after 75% of the liver tissue is damaged.
The liver is involved in many functions within the body, and altered liver functioning would cause significant damage to the body.
Causes of Liver Disease:
The causes of liver disease are many. They include:
1. Infection:
Certain viruses and parasites infect the liver and cause inflammation, thereby reducing the liver function. The most common type of liver infection is caused by hepatitis virus such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
2. Immune System Abnormalities:
The immune system plays a significant role in fighting against diseases. However, abnormalities in the immune system would cause autoimmune liver diseases such as:
- • Autoimmune hepatitis
- • Primary biliary cirrhosis
- • Primary sclerosing cholangitis
3. Genetics:
Genetics play an important role in carrying the various characteristics from parents to children. The liver diseases that may occur due to hereditary factors are as follows:
- • Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- • Hemochromatosis
- • Hyperoxaluria and oxalosis
- • Wilson’s disease
4. Liver Cancer:
Cancer can affect any part of liver causing liver damage. Such as
- • Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- • Hepatoblastoma
- • Hepatocellular carcinoma
- • Liver angiosarcoma
5. Others:
Excessive alcohol consumption would damage the liver cells directly and leads to permanent damage to liver that may lead to liver failure.
Overuse of certain medications and drugs causes liver damage.
Risk Factors for Liver Disease:
Liver disease can occur in people irrespective of age and background. However, some factors influence liver disease. They are:
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver disease that may also lead to liver failure.
Certain practices increase the risk of infectious liver disease such as hepatitis B, they include:
- • Practicing unprotected sexual intercourse
- • Using unsterilized drug injecting equipment
- • Using poorly sterilized equipment for tattoos or body piercing
Symptoms of Liver Disease:
Liver plays a vital role in functioning of the body. Liver damage affects various other process and cause following signs and symptoms:
- • Abdominal pain
- • Abdominal swelling
- • Chronic fatigue
- • Confusion
- • Dark color of urine
- • Impotence
- • Itchy skin
- • Lethargy
- • Loss of appetite
- • Muscle wasting
- • Nausea
- • Bloody color of stool or pale color of stool
- • Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- • Swelling in the legs and ankles
- • Tendency to bruise easily
- • Vomiting
- • Weakness
- • Weight loss
Complications of Liver Disease:
The symptoms of liver disease should be identified and treated before the complications sets in.. The complications of liver disease include:
- • Decreased cognitive function
- • Increased risk of bleeding and infection
- • Liver cirrhosis
- • Liver failure
- • Malnutrition
From the above mentioned complications liver failure is a life-threatening condition.
Diagnosing Liver Disease:
Diagnosis is required to determine the type and cause of liver disease and design the treatment plan accordingly.
1. History and Physical Examination:
The doctor would physically examine the patient and check for signs and symptoms. The patient is enquired for past medical history, family history and social habits such as alcohol consumption.
2. Liver Function Tests:
The doctor recommends liver function tests. The patient’s blood sample is collected and tested for liver enzymes that indicate the functioning of the liver. Very high values indicate abnormal functioning of the liver and liver damage.
3. Other Blood Tests:
The blood sample from patient is collected and tested for various other parameters that help in determining the liver functions. The parameters are :
- • Ammonia levels
- • Blood urea nitrogen
- • Complete Blood Count
- • Creatinine levels
- • Electrolytes
- • INR blood test
- • Lipase levels
4. Imaging Studies:
The doctor recommends the following imaging tests to determine the type and severity of the liver disease:
Ultrasound: In this technique, the high frequency sound waves are used to view the organs internally. A special device called transducer is moved over the skin surface. Sound waves from this device enter the body and are bounced back. The machine creates images from these sound waves.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: In this procedure, the doctor would give a contrast substance by mouth or through an intravenous line to facilitate the clear examination of the organ. A CT scan uses X-rays to create a detailed image of liver and also detects liver abnormalities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In this test, the doctor injects a dye into the patient’s veins. An MRI uses powerful radio waves and magnetic fields to obtain a detailed image of the liver which may help to detect liver abnormalities. However, only few patients would require contrast dye injection.
5. Liver Biopsy:
The doctor would recommend liver biopsy in severe cases to confirm the diagnosis.
During this procedure, the doctor removes a small amount of liver tissue which is sent to a laboratory for microscopic testing. It is one of the painless and low-risk procedures.
Depending on the patient situation, the doctor removes a piece of skin, organ or suspected tumor and sends it for laboratory testing.
Treatment of Liver Disease:
Based on the type and severity of the liver disease the doctor would plan the treatment.
In some cases, simple lifestyle changes such as weight loss and alcohol cessation help to treat the patient.
Other types of liver disease may require treatment with medications and surgical procedures.
However, life-threatening conditions such as liver failure may require liver transplantation.
Prevention of Liver Disease:
Liver disease can be prevented by practicing simple steps. The following lifestyle modifications and preventive methods help to prevent liver disease.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption: It is advised women should restrict to one drink while men should be restricted to a maximum of 2 drinks daily. Excess of alcohol consumption will lead to liver damage.
Proper Handling of Blood Samples and Other Body Fluids: Hepatitis virus spreads through blood and body fluids. Hence, proper handling is required.
Proper Use of Medications: It is advised to use medication as per the doctor’s prescription. However, improper use of medications leads to liver damage.
Vaccination: If there is a risk of Hepatitis or confirmation of Hepatitis, it is advised to seek medical consultation and get vaccinated.