What are Liver Disease and How Does It Affect You?
Any disorder that affects the liver and its processes is referred to as liver disease. More than a hundred different forms of liver disease exist. The liver is responsible for key life-sustaining functions such as metabolism, energy storage, and waste detoxification. It aids in the digestion of food, the conversion of food into energy, and the storage of energy until needed. It also aids in the removal of harmful chemicals from the bloodstream.
You can’t live without a liver entirely, but you can live with a portion of one. Many people can function with only half of their liver. The liver can also recover its original size in a matter of months. The liver is affected by a variety of disorders. The illnesses included by the broad phrase “liver disease” are listed below in a small, common list.
Liver Disease Types
Liver illness manifests itself in a variety of ways. While there are no indications of liver illness in the early stages, there are therapies for all types of liver disease. Viral infection (hepatitis), lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, genetics, and autoimmune disorders, which are characterized by the immune system attacking healthy cells, can all cause the disease. The most frequent types of liver disease are listed here.
Hepatitis
Viral infection of the liver that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. Hepatitis is divided into five types:
- Hepatitis A is transmitted through contact with tainted food or water.
- Hepatitis B is transmitted by body fluids.
- Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with Hepatitis C-infected blood.
- Hepatitis D is a type of hepatitis that develops in people who have had hepatitis B.
- Drinking polluted water causes hepatitis E.
Fatty Liver Disease is a condition that affects the liver.
The accumulation of fat in the liver is the hallmark of this illness. Fatty liver disease is divided into two types:
- Heavy alcohol use causes alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Medical professionals are trying to figure out what causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system erroneously assaults healthy cells. A number of autoimmune diseases target cells and the liver, including
Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which your immune system attacks your liver, causing inflammation.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is caused by injury to the liver’s bile ducts, resulting in a build-up of bile and eventually cirrhosis and liver failure.
Sclerosing Primary Cholangitis: This disorder damages the bile ducts over time, causing bile to build up in the liver and eventually cirrhosis or liver failure.
Genetic Disorders
The liver can be affected by a number of hereditary disorders acquired from your parents:
- Hemochromatosis is a condition in which the body stores more iron than it requires, causing liver damage.
- Wilson’s illness is a condition in which the liver absorbs copper instead of releasing it into the bile ducts, causing liver damage.
- Deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AT): This protein helps to keep enzymes from breaking down all over the body. Liver disease can be caused by a shortage of AT.
Cancer of the Liver
Cancers that start in the liver are known as liver cancers. Secondary liver cancer occurs when cancer begins elsewhere but spreads to the liver. Complications of other liver illnesses, particularly those that go untreated, may have a role in the development of liver cancer contact with hepatologist in Lahore.
Cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver caused by liver disorders and other sources of liver injury, including:
- Alcoholism is a mental illness caused by excessive consumption of
- Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs.
- Syphilis
When the liver is damaged, it can regenerate, although this usually results in the formation of scar tissue. The more scar tissue there is on the liver, the more difficult it is for it to function. Cirrhosis is generally curable in its early stages by addressing the underlying cause. It can lead to severe issues and even death if left untreated.
Failure of the Liver
Chronic liver failure occurs when a large portion of the liver is damaged and no longer functions properly. It is usually a disorder that develops gradually. In the early stages, you may not show any symptoms . However, with time, visible symptoms such as:
Jaundice
Diarrhea
Confusion
Weakness and exhaustion
Nausea
Acute liver failure occurs rapidly, frequently as a result of overdosing or poisoning.
Liver Disease Causes
The following are the three most common causes of liver disease:
Obesity
Hepatitis infection that has gone undiagnosed
Abuse of alcohol
Liver disease is caused by a variety of lifestyle factors, including:
Lifestyle
Diet
Exercise
Genetics
Pre-existing ailments
When should you see a doctor (hepatologist in Lahore) about Liver Disease?
Unfortunately, most of the signs and symptoms of various types of liver disease do not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Through lifestyle adjustments and diligent management, the illness can be treated and symptoms alleviated. While liver illness is unpleasant and poses certain obstacles, it is a treatable condition, and many people with liver disease go on to live full, productive lives.
Contact with Hepatologist in Lahore right now to talk about your symptoms and get help with your condition.