Liver disease

30 Sep 2013

It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver.

The principal role of the liver is to process food nutrients and clear toxins from the body.

Fat accumulation and alcohol misuse are primary reasons for liver failure and damage to the organ.

A disturbance of liver function, liver disease is also known as hepatic disease. It’s a broad term that covers all potential problems that cause the organ to fail.

Causes

The liver can be damaged due to a number of factors.

Cells in the liver can become inflamed and bile flow can be obstructed. Cholesterol can also be a factor when it accumulates.

The two main causes of liver disease include alcohol abuse and accumulation of fat. Other causes include hepatitis virus infections, toxic effect of medications and inherited abnormalities of the liver.

Alcohol is toxic for the liver cells forcing them to break down and causing the liver to malfunction. It’s also the most preventable cause of liver disease.

Another common cause is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The accumulation of fat within the liver causes inflammation and gradually decreases its function.   

Signs and symptoms

There are a number of symptoms associated with liver disease – some physical and some internal. What’s important to note is that the onset of liver disease is gradual and there is no specific symptom that is associated with the illness.

The most commonly experienced symptoms occur due to the inability to absorb fats. These include indigestion, reflux and intolerance to alcohol and fatty foods. Nausea and vomiting, bloating and constipation are also key symptoms.

Some of the more quiet symptoms include depression, mood changes and poor concentration. Overheating of the body and recurrent headaches may also occur.

Any unexplained fatigue, weakness and weight loss should prompt a visit to your medical professional as should jaundice.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing liver disease, doctors will generally ask about your medical history as well as physically examine you, as risk factors due to genetics and lifestyle are key to diagnosis.

The doctor will also probably order blood tests as they assess liver inflammation and function. CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds may be used to visualise the liver and nearby organs. 

Treatment

The best kind of treatment for all kinds of liver disease is to make lifestyle changes. Cut out alcohol, improve your diet and eliminate fatty foods, and increase all regular exercise.

There is, of course, medicinal treatment for certain liver diseases but it’s always advised to see a doctor when it comes to any medication.

In worse case scenarios when the liver is completely failing, a liver transplant is an option.