Liver Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Risk Factors | Diseases List A-Z

Liver

Liver disease is a disease that disrupts liver function. This organ, also known as the liver, is an important organ located under the ribs on the right side of the abdomen. It plays a role in digesting food and cleansing the body of toxins.

However, the liver can also be attacked by disease or problems. This disease can be genetic or occur due to various external factors, such as viruses, alcohol use, and obesity.

The liver is actually the only organ in the body that can easily replace damaged cells. However, if there are too many damaged cells, it is impossible for it to meet the body’s needs.

Over time, conditions that damage the liver can cause scarring (cirrhosis), which in turn can lead to liver failure and be life-threatening.

Fortunately, early treatment can give the liver time to heal.

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Some types of liver disease (including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) rarely cause symptoms.

For other liver diseases, the most common symptom is jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Jaundice develops because the liver cannot clear the substance bilirubin.

Other symptoms of liver disease that can also appear are:

• Abdominal pain (especially on the right side).
• Easy bruising.
• Changes in the color of urine or feces.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Swelling in the arms or legs (edema).

Causes of Liver Disease

There are various things that can cause liver disease, including:

• Viral infection. There are currently 8 types of liver viruses, and the most dangerous viruses are Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
• Immune system problems. Liver disease can also occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the organ.
• Hereditary diseases. Some liver problems develop because of genetic conditions (inherited or passed down from parents).
• Cancer. When abnormal cells grow in the liver, tumors can form. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (liver cancer).
• Consuming too many toxic substances. For example, consuming too much alcohol.

Types of Liver Disease

The types of liver disease are very diverse. Until now, liver disease that has been identified has reached around 100 types of diseases with different causes.

The following are several types of liver disease based on the cause:

1. Alcohol related diseases

The cause of this disease is the habit of consuming alcohol for many years.

Alcohol is toxic to liver cells, especially when this organ filters alcohol from the blood. When the liver filters alcohol, liver cells can die.

The liver has the ability to regenerate, but if a person continuously consumes alcohol, its ability to regenerate can be disrupted and can cause more serious and dangerous damage.

2. Non-alcoholic fatty liver

This condition is often called fatty liver. Under normal conditions, liver cells should only contain a small amount of fat, but in this liver disease there is an excess accumulation of fat in the liver cells.

Fatty liver often occurs in people who are obese and have high fat content in the body.

3. Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a disease that occurs due to inflammation of the liver tissue. Some types of hepatitis are mild and can heal on their own.

While some other types are serious hepatitis that can develop into cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Hepatitis can occur acutely or chronically. The causes of hepatitis are very diverse, including viral infections and autoimmune conditions.

Types of hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and autoimmune hepatitis.

4. Toxichepatitis

This is an inflammation of the liver tissue, caused by the body being exposed to toxic chemical compounds that cause damage to the liver tissue.

The types of toxins that can cause toxic hepatitis vary widely, whether they come from drugs, food supplements, or other chemicals.

Often the symptoms of toxic hepatitis will disappear on their own when the body is no longer exposed to the compound.

However, in some cases, more serious toxic hepatitis can trigger permanent liver tissue damage such as cirrhosis and life-threatening liver failure.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, fever reducers, and pain relievers can be the cause if you consume them excessively.

5. Cholestatic liver disease

Cholestasis occurs due to disruption of bile flow, either due to reduced bile fluid or due to obstruction in the bile duct.

Disturbances in the flow of bile can cause a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is a waste product from the destruction of red blood cells and must be excreted through feces and urine.

The causes of cholestasis in the liver are quite diverse, both due to disorders in the liver cells ( hepatocellular cholestasis ) and due to disorders of the bile ducts in the liver ( cholangiocellular cholestasis ).

Causes of cholangiocellular cholestasis include primary biliary cirrhosis, cystic fibrosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

6. Inherited liver disease

This disease occurs due to genetic disorders that cause liver dysfunction.

The two most common types of genetic liver disease are hemochromatosis and alpha-1 deficiency.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a disease caused by a lack of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin which is produced in the liver to protect lung tissue from damage.

In addition to lung damage, a deficiency of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin can also cause this disease.

7. Liver cancer

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that first appears in the liver.

There are several types of liver cancer, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatoblastoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. HCC is the most common form.

Liver Risk Factors

There are various factors that are thought to increase the risk of liver disease, including:

• Frequent consumption of alcohol.
• Overweight (obesity).
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Tattoos or body piercing.
• Sharing drug injection needles.
• Blood transfusion before 1992.
• Exposure to blood and bodily fluids from other people.
• Sex without a condom.
• Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.
• There is a family history of liver disease.

Liver Disease Diagnosis

There are several tests you can do to detect this disease, including:

1. Blood test

This includes blood counts, elevated liver enzymes, elevated GGT ( gamma glutamyl transferase ) and ALP ( alkaline phosphatase ), elevated bilirubin, and low albumin levels.

2. Imaging tests

This is another test you can use to confirm liver disease. This method can usually check the size of tumors or scar tissue in the liver.

3. Network analysis

This procedure, also known as a liver biopsy, will examine a sample of liver tissue with minimal surgery.

In addition, you can also do a Liver Function Check to detect this condition. If you want to do a test but don’t have time to go to the hospital, don’t worry!

Because it is done at home, you can monitor the health condition of yourself or those closest to you better.

Well, there are several advantages of this lab testing service, including:

• No need to bother leaving the house.
• Save time and money
• Health workers respond quickly.
• Strict health protocols.
• Samples are taken safely and sterilely.
• Blood/urine samples will be taken directly to the laboratory after being taken (no transit).
• The equipment used is of high quality, safe, sealed, and meets standards.
• The price of this lab test starts from 1300 to 1400 rupees, You can even make a family booking to get an extra discount.
• All lab test services consist of laboratory examinations and doctor consultations.
• Test results will be out within 1 day.

What Do Studies Say About Liver Disease?

A study published in the Journal of Community Health (April 2012) examined risk factors for liver disease, as well as public understanding of its prevention in Mexican adults living in Los Angeles (USA) and Cuernavaca (Mexico).

The results of the study showed that obesity, accumulation of abdominal fat, and high alcohol consumption are major risk factors for liver disease.

Although most participants were aware that excessive alcohol can damage the liver, only 60% knew that obesity and diabetes can also cause liver disease.

Additionally, few had ever been screened or vaccinated for hepatitis B and C. Compared with participants in Mexico, those living in the US tended to be more active in health prevention and screening.

This study emphasizes the importance of improving health education and early detection to prevent liver disease, especially in at-risk groups.

Liver-Friendly Foods

1. Green vegetables such as kale and cabbage help detoxify the liver and maintain overall body health.
2. Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries contain anthocyanins and polyphenols that can inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells.
3. Healthy fats from avocados, chia seeds, coconut oil, and omega-3s in seafood help protect the liver from damage.
4. Seeds such as nuts are rich in protein and enzymes that strengthen the liver’s defenses against toxins.
5. Sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, eggs, and onions support the liver’s detoxification process and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Liver Disease Treatment

Treatment and medication for liver disease will depend on the type of disease that occurs and how far it has progressed.

Well, the treatments that you might be able to provide include:

1. Medicines

Doctors treat some types of illnesses with medications. For example, antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis, steroids to reduce liver inflammation, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and medications to treat specific symptoms, such as itchy skin.

2. Liver transplant

When liver disease has progressed to liver failure, transplantation may be the best treatment.

3. Lifestyle changes

Diet can also help manage some types of liver disease. For example, if you have fatty liver disease, avoiding alcohol, limiting your fat and calorie intake, and increasing your fiber intake can help improve your condition.

So, what are the signs that liver disease will heal? Indications of recovery can include decreased symptoms, improved appetite, returning energy to normal, and liver function test results that show improvement.

Complications of Liver Disease

There are various complications of liver disease that need to be watched out for, including:

1. Increases the risk of developing liver cancer

Untreated liver disease can trigger the growth of cancer cells, especially in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. This condition often develops without symptoms in the early stages, so early detection is very important.

2. Liver organ damage

Prolonged inflammation due to infection, excessive alcohol consumption, or metabolic disorders can cause permanent liver cell damage. If not treated immediately, liver function will decline further and worsen the overall condition of the body.

3. Formation of cirrhosis (scar tissue)

Cirrhosis occurs when healthy tissue in the liver is replaced by scar tissue, preventing the organ from functioning properly. In the early stages, there are often no symptoms, but over time it can cause abdominal swelling, fatigue, and digestive problems.

4. Gradual decline in liver function

If liver damage continues, the remaining healthy tissue will not be enough to maintain liver function. This condition can cause metabolic disorders, accumulation of toxins in the body, and hormonal imbalances.

5. Liver failure

In advanced stages, the damaged liver can no longer filter toxins, produce proteins, or regulate the balance of nutrients in the body. Liver failure can develop slowly (chronic) or suddenly (acute), and often requires a liver transplant as a last resort.

Liver Disease Prevention

There are various ways you can do to prevent this disease, including:

• Do not share needles and practice safe sex.
• Prevent hepatitis by participating in the hepatitis virus vaccination program.
• Maintain normal body weight according to body mass index.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages.
• Consult a doctor before taking any medical or herbal medicine.
• Be careful when interacting with toxic chemicals such as aerosol cleaners, bug sprays, and other cleaning products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the characteristics of severe liver disease? 

Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), an enlarged abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites), easy bruising or bleeding, extreme fatigue, and impaired consciousness can indicate that liver disease is in an advanced or severe stage.

2. What is liver disease? 

Liver disease is a disorder of the liver that can be caused by a viral infection (hepatitis), excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver, or autoimmune disorders that affect the liver’s function in filtering toxins and producing important enzymes for the body.

3. Can liver disease be cured?

It depends on the cause. If detected early and treated properly, some types of liver disease such as hepatitis due to infection or fatty liver can still be cured. However, severe liver damage such as cirrhosis is usually permanent, although it can be controlled with treatment.