Blog
Feb 13, 2023
- By Dr. Amit Gharat
What You Should Know About Causes Of Liver Diseases?
Our liver performs several vital functions and is one of the hardest-working organs in our body. If liver function is compromised, it can cause liver disease. But what are liver diseases, symptoms, causes, and treatments? And how can you prevent liver disease? In this blog, we’re going to cover all that and more.
Overview of Liver Diseases
Liver disease is a broad term that describes any condition that affects the liver. It can range from minor issues such as fatty liver, to serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Understanding the types and causes of these diseases helps people make informed decisions about their health and prevention methods.
Types of Liver Disease
There are several types of liver disease, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments. Knowing the signs and symptoms of different types of liver disease is important for catching it early and getting the right treatment from the best Liver Specialist.
The types of Liver diseases include:
Hepatitis : Hepatitis A and E are acute hepatitis caused by contaminated food and water; B and C can cause acute as well as chronic hepatitis. It is caused by infected blood and blood products, sexually transmitted and vertical transmission from mother to child during delivery.
Cirrhosis : Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease in which scarring of the liver occurs. The scarring can result in jaundice (yellowing of eyes), ascites (accumulation of fluid in your abdomen), and bleeding complications.
Fatty liver disease : Fatty liver disease is characterized by excess fat accumulation within liver cells. It is often caused by obesity and alcohol consumption. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight gain, jaundice, and skin discoloration.
Bile Duct Disorder : Bile duct disorders are also common liver diseases that come from abnormalities of bile flow through the bile duct system. These disorders cause problems with digestion such as jaundice and bleeding complications.
Bile Duct Disorder leads to Obstructive jaundice.
Obstructive jaundice is a condition that affects the body’s ability to process and eliminate waste. It occurs when bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, is blocked from flowing freely through the common bile duct, resulting in an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. People suffering from this condition often experience fatigue, abdominal pain, itching and fever.
Choledocholithiasis and malignancy causing biliary obstruction are two of the common causes of bile duct obstruction. Bile ducts carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it aids in digestion. When a person has choledocholithiasis or a malignant tumor located near their bile ducts, they can develop a blockage which leads to an array of digestive issues.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is used in treatment of obstructive jaundice caused blocked from flowing freely through the common bile duct. It is performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, that is inserted through the mouth, down the throat, and into the small intestine. Dye is then injected through the endoscope and X-rays are taken to show any abnormalities in the ducts. The procedure is used both for treatment of conditions such as obstructive jaundice, bile duct stones, strictures (narrowing of the ducts), and tumors.
Risk factors for developing a liver disease include:
Symptoms of Liver Disease
Liver disease arises due to damage to liver cells. Symptoms of liver failure are:
- Jaundice.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Itching skin.
- Fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a Liver specialist doctor in Navi Mumbai as soon as possible.
Causes of Liver Failure
Liver failure occurs when the liver loses the ability to function properly due to damage or disease. Liver failure is a serious medical condition that causes damage to liver cells, known as hepatocytes, and can lead to death.
Liver failure can be caused by:
- Damage from alcohol.
- Viral hepatitis infections.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Autoimmune hepatitis.
- Genetic diseases, such as Wilson’s disease or hemochromatosis.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
Viral hepatitis infections are common causes of liver failure worldwide. Since 2014, NAFLD has become one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States.
To reduce the risk of liver failure, it is important for people with chronic hepatitis to follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid heavy alcohol use. Also, patients with cirrhosis should be monitored closely and receive appropriate treatment for their underlying conditions. And choose the top Hepatologist in Navi Mumbai.
Treatment Options for Liver Disease
- Medical treatments are available for liver disease. Medications and dietary changes can help manage symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, jaundice, and liver failure.
- Surgery may be needed to remove the damaged tissue or repair the damage to the organs and vessels. Liver transplantation can be used to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one.
Prevention of Liver Disease
For liver disease to develop there must be a triggering factor. A common one is alcohol consumption, as alcohol causes liver damage and affects the function of liver cells. Even non-alcoholic liver diseases can be caused by hepatitis viruses. Another cause of liver damage is chronic hepatitis, which is a result of chronic liver inflammation. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent liver disease. Here are three of the most effective prevention methods:
- It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can help keep the liver functioning properly and reduce the risk of developing any type of liver disorder or damage. .
- Stay away from alcohol or drink in moderation. Excessive drinking can damage the liver, making it more susceptible to diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. If you do choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake to one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. .
- It is essential to get vaccinated for hepatitis B if one hasn’t already done so. Both these viruses can cause severe damage to the liver when left untreated for long periods of time. Vaccinations provide protection from these viruses by giving the body an immunity boost before exposure occurs. .
Looking for top quality liver treatment and excellent healthcare?
With liver disease, it is best to act early and prevent complications. The first step is to understand the liver and its functions. Remember that liver disease can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.
If you’re suffering from liver related problems, don’t wait any longer – book an appointment with Dr. Amit Gharat and get the care you need today! He is a highly experienced professional and the best liver specialist doctor in Navi Mumbai. Take the first step to better health and make your appointment now!
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