The liver is an essential organ in the human body that plays a crucial role in many metabolic and detoxifying functions. It’s also susceptible to a wide range of diseases, from mild to life-threatening. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common liver disorders, what causes them, and how they can be treated.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infectious virus that affects the liver. It’s most often spread through contaminated food or water, or through contact with someone who is infected with the virus. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Treatment typically includes rest, fluids and medications to reduce symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infectious virus that also affects the liver. It’s primarily spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids such as saliva or semen. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Treatment for hepatitis B may involve antiviral medications and rest. Vaccines are available to help protect against infection from hepatitis B virus.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty Liver Disease occurs when fat accumulates in the liver cells due to certain lifestyle habits such as drinking too much alcohol or being overweight/obese. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness and weight loss. Treatment usually involves making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly as well as abstaining from alcohol consumption (if applicable). In some cases medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the liver cells and improve overall health of the organ.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a chronic condition caused by scarring of the liver due to long-term inflammation or injury from alcohol abuse or other causes such as hepatitis B or C infection. Symptoms may include:
- jaundice
- easy bruising/bleeding
- fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
- fatigue
- confusion/memory loss (hepatic encephalopathy)
- itchy skin (pruritus)
- spider-shaped blood vessels on the skin (spider angiomas)
Treatment for cirrhosis often includes medications such as diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in the abdomen and antibiotics to treat infections. In severe cases where cirrhosis has progressed too far for treatment options to be effective, a liver transplant may be necessary.
The liver is an essential organ that performs many important functions in our bodies. However, it can be susceptible to disease if not taken care of properly. Understanding more about common liver disorders can help us recognize potential signs and symptoms early on so that appropriate treatment can begin promptly for best outcomes possible for our health and wellbeing!
With knowledge comes power - make sure you're doing your part by staying informed about any potential risks associated with your lifestyle choices so you can better protect yourself from developing serious conditions like these most common liver disorders discussed above.