Introduction
There are various types of liver diseases. Some of the most common types can be treated with diet and lifestyle modifications, while others might need lifelong medication to control. Early treatment can usually minimize permanent liver damage. However, individuals may not have symptoms during the early phases. Treatment for liver disease in its advanced stages is extremely difficult. Thus early identification of liver diseases and prompt treatment is necessary to prevent complications. Read on to learn more about the symptoms associated with liver diseases.
What Are Liver Diseases?
The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous bodily activities. One of its most significant duties is to remove poisons from the circulatory system. While the liver is well-equipped for this task, its function as a filter leaves it exposed to the toxins it processes. Too many chemicals may drain the liver's resources and capacity to function. This can occur temporarily or over an extended length of time. When healthcare experts address liver diseases, they usually mean chronic disorders that cause increasing damage to the liver over time. Typical causes of chronic liver disease include viral infections, toxic poisoning, and certain metabolic disorders.
How Common Are Liver Diseases?
Approximately two million people die from liver disease each year in the world. Of these deaths, one million are attributable to complications from cirrhosis, while another million are caused by viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. Together, liver cancer ranks 16th in the world's leading causes of death and cirrhosis ranks 11th, accounting for 3.5 percent of all fatalities worldwide. With 1.6 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively, of all disability-adjusted life years worldwide, cirrhosis is among the top 20 causes. Worldwide, almost two billion people drink alcohol; of these, up to 75 million have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorders, and millions more are at risk of liver disease linked to alcohol consumption.
What Are the Common Causes of Liver Diseases?
Chronic viral hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, can lead to persistent hepatitis.
Heavy alcohol consumption can cause acute or chronic hepatitis, potentially resulting in liver failure and cirrhosis with prolonged exposure.
Long-term exposure to toxins, such as pharmaceuticals or industrial pollutants, can also lead to acute or chronic hepatitis.
Metabolic disorders associated with obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood cholesterol levels can cause excess fat accumulation in the liver, leading to non-alcohol-related steatohepatitis.
Chronic inflammation and scarring in the liver or bile ducts can be caused by autoimmune disorders such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (bile duct inflammation), autoimmune hepatitis, and autoimmune biliary cholangitis.
What Are the Earlier Signs of Liver Disease?
In its early stages, chronic liver disease frequently shows no symptoms. However, there are instances where an acute hepatitis episode follows it. For example, when one happens to contract viral hepatitis, there is an acute phase that precedes the chronic phase. Short-term symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or fever may occur while the immune system fights the infection. It turns into a persistent infection if it is not treated. Acute symptoms may also be more severe at first or occur in brief bursts in some other forms of liver disease. Liver disease's initial signs are frequently confusing. They could consist of:
- Skin becomes jaundiced, or has a yellow tint to it.
- Nausea.
- The color of urine turns dark yellow.
- Stools seem black (tarlike), pale, or bloody.
- Legs, ankles, or abdomen swelling.
- Reduced hunger.
- Continuous exhaustion.
- Vomiting.
- Skin irritation.
- Unusual bruises.
What Are the Common Symptoms Associated With Liver Diseases?
A person may exhibit a variety of symptoms if they have liver disease or injury. It is also possible for them to show no symptoms at all. If a person feels that they have liver problems or exhibits any of the signs and symptoms listed below, then they must see their doctor immediately.
Jaundice: The yellowing of the eyes is called jaundice. It happens when the liver is not able to adequately filter the blood. If the jaundice develops suddenly or becomes more severe, the liver function may deteriorate or the person may have an infection. To have it examined, always attempt to schedule a visit as soon as possible with the physician or specialist.
Bleeding Veins: Bleeding varices are bleeding episodes in the stomach or esophagus (food pipe). The liver creates pressure, which causes the blood vessels to enlarge and burst. Varices that bleed are extremely dangerous and could even be fatal. Vomiting blood or having dark, tarry, sticky stools are signs of bleeding varices.
Ascites: A buildup of fluid in the abdomen (stomach area) is called ascites. It results from elevated hepatic pressure. It will cause the belly to grow incredibly big. Eating becomes painful since one will always feel full, and breathing might get difficult, especially if a person is lying down. Malnutrition, or not getting enough nutrients in the body, can occur in some patients. There is a serious risk of ascites fluid infection.
Encephalopathy: Encephalopathy is a condition that occurs when toxins accumulate in the brain. These toxins enter the brain through the bloodstream when the liver fails to filter them effectively. In its early stages, encephalopathy is marked by symptoms such as flapping hands, mood disturbances, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and disrupted sleep patterns. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience disorientation, changes in personality, and persistent fatigue.
What Are the Complications Associated With Liver Diseases?
When the liver is progressively failing and cannot regenerate, it is referred to as end-stage liver disease. This includes decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure. The two main adverse outcomes of end-stage liver disease are hepatocellular carcinoma, or primary liver cancer, and portal hypertension. Hospitalization and death from cirrhosis and liver failure are primarily caused by complications from these two conditions.
Conclusion:
The liver is so important for general health. Having a liver disease can have a wide range of effects on individuals. However, liver disease may not become apparent until it has progressed. It is critical to recognize the goods that can damage the liver and make an effort to stay away from them to preserve it. Additionally, scheduling routine medical exams can help detect liver problems earlier. When a liver problem is detected early enough, it can be successfully treated. If a person experiences any of the symptoms of liver damage or health issues, immediately consult a doctor.
