Liver disease is a condition that affects how well the liver functions. The liver is crucial for digesting food and removing toxins from the blood. There are many types of liver disease, like fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and hepatitis. Though each type has its variations, common symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), bruising, and swelling. In the U.S., over 100 million people have some form of liver disease.
Luckily, there are several treatment options available if you’re diagnosed with liver disease. It’s important to address these symptoms early because untreated liver disease can lead to liver failure, where your liver is damaged beyond repair. Knowing the symptoms and seeking medical help when needed is vital.
One of the most common liver diseases is fatty liver disease, which comes in two varieties. Alcoholic liver disease is one, caused by excessive alcohol consumption (like two or more drinks a day), leading to liver tissue damage. This disease has three stages.
Hepatitis is another liver condition that causes inflammation. It’s usually the result of infections by different hepatitis viruses. If not treated, hepatitis can cause liver damage, making it hard for the liver to function properly. Several viruses can lead to hepatitis.
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), happens when tumor cells grow in the liver. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) but may still interfere with liver functions. There are two types of liver cancer: primary, where cancer starts in the liver, and secondary, where cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body.
Autoimmune disorders can also affect the liver when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Some genetic conditions, inherited from family members, can impact the liver too. Cirrhosis is a condition known for severe scarring and liver damage. The scar tissue replaces healthy tissue, blocking blood flow and disrupting liver functions. Several liver diseases, excessive alcohol, and certain medications can cause cirrhosis.
Each liver disease has slightly different symptoms, but the most common include jaundice, bruising, and swelling. Notably, some liver diseases can be symptom-free in the early stages, so you might not realize you have a problem until it worsens. If you spot any symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider right away.
There are many reasons why liver disease develops. Common causes include lifestyle habits and genetics. If you think you might have liver disease symptoms or have a family history of liver conditions, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider. They will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam to better understand your symptoms. Additional tests might be needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, the treatment plan will depend on the condition, your symptoms, and the severity. Generally, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and medications. Suggested lifestyle modifications to manage the condition include healthy dietary habits and avoiding alcohol.
Your healthcare provider might also prescribe specific medications. If liver damage or cirrhosis progresses, they may consider listing you for a liver transplant. Severe liver damage is irreversible and can lead to liver failure, but a transplant can help improve liver function and quality of life.
Maintaining good lifestyle choices is crucial for a healthy liver and preventing liver diseases. Simple steps like eating a low-fat diet, minimizing alcohol intake, and staying active can lower your risk of developing liver conditions.
Liver diseases might lead to several complications if not treated. These issues highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management. Getting a liver disease diagnosis can be frightening, but early detection makes the condition treatable. Left untreated, however, the disease can worsen, causing irreversible damage that might necessitate a liver transplant.
Since some liver diseases are symptom-free early on, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for regular check-ups to screen for liver conditions. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of developing liver-related issues.
