Liver diseases comprise a vast range of conditions that affect the normal functioning of the liver. The liver is a small organ located below the rib cage on the right hand side of the stomach. It plays an important role in digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and elimination of toxic substances from the body. Liver diseases can be either inherited through generations or they can even occur due to some infectious agents like viruses or due to chemicals.
There are over 100 different types of liver diseases and several lifestyle related things that can lead to liver disease. Most common diseases include alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and haemochromatosis. Some liver problems are temporary and go away on their own, while other liver problems can last for a long time and lead to serious complications.
Liver disease was traditionally known to occur in association with excessive alcohol intake but now the non-alcoholic variant is reaching epidemic proportions in the developed countries. Known to occur in association with metabolic syndrome consisting of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia this disease occurs because of faulty fat metabolism in the liver. Prevention is the best treatment and if uncontrolled can even end up in liver failure.
There are more than 100 different forms of liver disease caused by various factors ranging from genetic, environmental to lifestyle habits. Here are some common types of liver diseases and their causes highlighted by Dr Adarsh CK, consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, St John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore.
1. Alcohlic liver disease: The long-term effects of alcoholism are even more catastrophic. It affects all liver function and is along with fatty foods the primary cause of most liver ailments.
2. Non alcoholic liver disease: This type of liver disease is commonly seen in patients who do not consume alcohol and the main characteristic of this condition is the accumulation of fat in the patient’s liver.
3. Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. Hepatitis can be either acute or chronic depending on the severity of the condition.
4. Non alcoholic steatohepatitis: It is a type of liver disease mainly seen in diabetics, patients with high cholesterol and obese individuals who do not consume alcohol or do not have any viral infections.
5. Drug induced liver disease: Even the medicines you take get metabolised in the liver. Drug related liver disorder occurs due to increased deposition of minerals like copper and iron in the liver, causing blockage of blood supply to and from the liver.
6. Fatty Liver disease: Fatty liver is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver because of faulty fat metabolism in the liver. Traditionally known to occur in association with excessive alcohol intake, this disease is now reaching epidemic proportions in the developed countries due to the non-alcoholic variant.
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‘Most of the liver diseases present with similar symptoms with some variations,’ says Dr Adarsh. Here are some common symptoms he highlights:
When the liver gets damaged, the liver cells release certain enzymes in the blood. These enzymes are used as blood markers to diagnose the condition. Here are some common markers and tests used to diagnose liver disease.
1. Serum Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). Levels of bilirubin increase in liver diseases. Read about 8 jaundice symptoms you need to watch out for.
2. Albumin: Albumin is a protein that is synthesized in the liver. When the liver function is hampered, less amount of albumin is produced.
3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): Alkaline phosphatase is a group of enzymes that are produced in various parts of the body including the intestine, kidneys and bones.
4. Alanine transaminase (ALT): ALT is an enzyme that is made by the liver cells called hepatocytes. Blood levels of ALT are increased when these hepatocytes are damaged due to hepatitis.
5. Liver biopsy: A liver biopsy may be suggested when a person’s liver function markers (AST, ALT, APT etc) deviate from the normal range for a long period of time.
Note that none of the tests mentioned above are able to determine an overall measure of liver function, individually. Collectively, all the values help to determine the chances of suffering from liver disease and the severity of disease.
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Treatment of liver disease depends on the type, symptoms and cause of liver disease. Mainly, liver diseases are treated with lifestyle changes and diet modification.
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Dr Adarsh offers some simple yet effective tips to prevent liver disease such as -
Focusing more on health and remembering these recommendations can help one recover much better and return to routine sooner.
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Substituting alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic options, such as herbal teas, flavoured water, or alcohol-free drinks, can help manage cravings and reduce intake.
You must give up alcohol and smoking since these behaviours will only worsen liver damage and slow the healing process.
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You can better manage or avoid fatty liver disease by integrating these holistic practices into your lifestyle.
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Focusing more on health and remembering these recommendations can help one recover much better and return to routine sooner.
On World Liver Day, find out what are the lifestyle modifications required to mitigate liver diseases.
As the global prevalence of NASH continues to escalate, ongoing research and healthcare policy initiatives are essential to meet the growing demand for liver transplants and improve accessibility for patients.
Substituting alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic options, such as herbal teas, flavoured water, or alcohol-free drinks, can help manage cravings and reduce intake.
You must give up alcohol and smoking since these behaviours will only worsen liver damage and slow the healing process.
What is the life expectancy of someone with fatty liver disease? Expert comments.
You can better manage or avoid fatty liver disease by integrating these holistic practices into your lifestyle.
Despite a decline in COVID-19 cases, we should be vigilant, given the unpredictability we have witnessed over the past few years, causing chaos and health crises worldwide.
Emphasizing lifestyle adjustments to prioritize liver health is fundamental in averting liver disease and fostering a longer, healthier life.
World Liver Day 2024: Prioritize Liver Health For A Natural Energy Boost
Capacity building is necessary for medical officers in India to address the challenges posed by Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD) effectively, says Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
Individuals can reduce their risk of developing liver disease and associated symptoms like nosebleeds by taking preventive measures like those mentioned.
Collaborating with your doctor and therapist can lead to tailored strategies that alleviate stressors and digestive discomfort.
Staying cautious, practising good hygiene, and making healthy lifestyle choices will enable you to make the most of this season while safeguarding your health.
Individuals with both diabetes and liver disease are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer. Read on to know how diabetes and liver disease are connected.
Hepatobiliary disorders are medical conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
5 genetic variables may also result in non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD).
How do men's and women's physiological differences impact alcohol metabolism?
Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD) can cause enlargement of liver and even liver failure. But this genetic disorder is usually asymptomatic.
The incidence of liver cancer is rising in India. On World Liver Day, experts highlight the common risk factors of liver cancer and stress the need to focus on prevention measures.
When The Intestines Twist: Understanding Midgut Volvulus And Its Urgent Treatment
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