Disease of the liver (also called hepatic disease) is a type of disease of the liver. This can be inherited (genetic) or caused by a
variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and alcohol use.
Obesity is also associated with liver damage. Over time, damage to the liver
results in scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure.
variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and alcohol use.
Obesity is also associated with liver damage. Over time, damage to the liver
results in scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure.
Causes of liver diseases
Liver disease has many causes which include the
following:
following:
1.
Infection
Infection
Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing
inflammation and that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver
damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or
close contact with a person who is infected. The most common types of liver
infection are hepatitis viruses, including:
inflammation and that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver
damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or
close contact with a person who is infected. The most common types of liver
infection are hepatitis viruses, including:
- Hepatitis
A - Hepatitis
B - Hepatitis
C
2.
Immune system abnormality
Immune system abnormality
Diseases in which the immune system attacks certain
parts of the body (autoimmune) can affect your liver. Examples of autoimmune
liver diseases include:
parts of the body (autoimmune) can affect your liver. Examples of autoimmune
liver diseases include:
- Autoimmune
hepatitis - Primary
biliary cirrhosis - Primary
sclerosing cholangitis
3.
Genetics
Genetics
An abnormal gene inherited from one or both of
parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver, resulting in
liver damage. Genetic liver diseases include:
parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver, resulting in
liver damage. Genetic liver diseases include:
- Hemochromatosis
- Hyperoxaluria
and oxalosis - Wilson’s
disease
4.
Cancer and other growths
Cancer and other growths
Examples of cancer and other growth than can cause
liver disease include:
liver disease include:
- Liver
cancer - Bile
duct cancer - Liver
adenoma
5.
Other causes
Other causes
Additional, common causes of liver disease include:
- Chronic
alcohol abuse - Fat
accumulating in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
Types of liver diseases
There are more than a hundred kinds of liver
disease. The most widely spread disease of the liver are as follows:
disease. The most widely spread disease of the liver are as follows:
·
Fascioliasis: A parasitic infection of the
liver caused by a Liver fluke of the Fasciola genus, mostly the Fasciola hepatica.
Fascioliasis: A parasitic infection of the
liver caused by a Liver fluke of the Fasciola genus, mostly the Fasciola hepatica.
·
Hepatitis: Inflammation
of the liver, is caused mainly by various viruses (viral hepatitis) but
also by some liver toxins (e.g. alcoholic hepatitis), autoimmunity (autoimmune hepatitis) or hereditary conditions.
Hepatitis: Inflammation
of the liver, is caused mainly by various viruses (viral hepatitis) but
also by some liver toxins (e.g. alcoholic hepatitis), autoimmunity (autoimmune hepatitis) or hereditary conditions.
·
Alcoholic liver disease is any
hepatic manifestation of alcohol over-consumption,
including fatty liver disease,
alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Analogous terms such as “drug-induced” or “toxic” liver
disease are also used to refer to the range of disorders caused by various
drugs and environmental chemicals.
Alcoholic liver disease is any
hepatic manifestation of alcohol over-consumption,
including fatty liver disease,
alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Analogous terms such as “drug-induced” or “toxic” liver
disease are also used to refer to the range of disorders caused by various
drugs and environmental chemicals.
·
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is a
reversible condition where large vacuoles of triglyceride fat
accumulate in liver cells. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a
spectrum of disease associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, among other causes. Fatty liver
may lead to inflammatory disease (i.e. steatohepatitis) and,
eventually, cirrhosis.
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is a
reversible condition where large vacuoles of triglyceride fat
accumulate in liver cells. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a
spectrum of disease associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, among other causes. Fatty liver
may lead to inflammatory disease (i.e. steatohepatitis) and,
eventually, cirrhosis.
·
Cirrhosis is the
formation of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) in the
place of liver cells that have died due to a variety of causes, including viral
hepatitis, alcohol over-consumption, and other forms of liver toxicity.
Cirrhosis causes chronic liver failure.
Cirrhosis is the
formation of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) in the
place of liver cells that have died due to a variety of causes, including viral
hepatitis, alcohol over-consumption, and other forms of liver toxicity.
Cirrhosis causes chronic liver failure.
·
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a
serious autoimmune disease
of the bile capillaries.
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a
serious autoimmune disease
of the bile capillaries.
·
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a
serious chronic inflammatory disease
of the bile duct, which
is believed to be autoimmune in origin.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a
serious chronic inflammatory disease
of the bile duct, which
is believed to be autoimmune in origin.
·
Centrilobular necrosis of liver
can be caused by leakage of enteric toxins into circulation. Salmonella toxins
in ileum have been shown to cause severe damage to liver hepatic cells
Centrilobular necrosis of liver
can be caused by leakage of enteric toxins into circulation. Salmonella toxins
in ileum have been shown to cause severe damage to liver hepatic cells
·
Budd–Chiari syndrome is the clinical picture caused
by occlusion of the hepatic vein, which
in some cases may lead to cirrhosis.
Budd–Chiari syndrome is the clinical picture caused
by occlusion of the hepatic vein, which
in some cases may lead to cirrhosis.
·
Hereditary diseases that cause damage to the liver
include hemochromatosis,
involving accumulation of iron in the
body, and Wilson’s disease, which
causes the body to retain copper.
Hereditary diseases that cause damage to the liver
include hemochromatosis,
involving accumulation of iron in the
body, and Wilson’s disease, which
causes the body to retain copper.
·
Gilbert’s syndrome, a genetic disorder of bilirubin
metabolism found in about 5% of the population, can cause mild jaundice.
Gilbert’s syndrome, a genetic disorder of bilirubin
metabolism found in about 5% of the population, can cause mild jaundice.
Signs and symptoms of diseases of the liver
Signs and symptoms of liver disease include:
- Skin
and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice) - Abdominal
pain and swelling - Swelling
in the legs and ankles - Itchy
skin - Dark
urine colour - Pale
stool colour, or bloody stool - Chronic
fatigue - Nausea
or vomiting - Loss
of appetite - Tendency
to bruise easily
Test and diagnosis of disease of
the liver
the liver
Test and diagnosis of
disease of the liver include:
disease of the liver include:
·
Blood tests. A group of blood tests called liver function tests
can be used to diagnose liver disease. Other blood tests can be done to look
for specific liver problems or genetic conditions.
Blood tests. A group of blood tests called liver function tests
can be used to diagnose liver disease. Other blood tests can be done to look
for specific liver problems or genetic conditions.
·
Imaging tests. CT scan, MRI and ultrasound can show liver damage.
Imaging tests. CT scan, MRI and ultrasound can show liver damage.
·
Tissue analysis. Removing a tissue sample (biopsy) from the liver may
help diagnose liver disease. Liver biopsy is most often done using a long
needle inserted through the skin to extract a tissue sample. It is then
analyzed in a laboratory.
Tissue analysis. Removing a tissue sample (biopsy) from the liver may
help diagnose liver disease. Liver biopsy is most often done using a long
needle inserted through the skin to extract a tissue sample. It is then
analyzed in a laboratory.
Prevention of diseases of the
liver
The
following are measures to prevent diseases of the liver:
following are measures to prevent diseases of the liver:
·
Use alcohol beverages in moderation: For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a
day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day
for men age 65 and younger. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than
three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week for women and for men
older than age 65, and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks
a week for men age 65 and younger.
Use alcohol beverages in moderation: For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a
day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day
for men age 65 and younger. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than
three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week for women and for men
older than age 65, and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks
a week for men age 65 and younger.
·
Avoid risky behaviour: Get help if you use illicit intravenous drugs, and do on share needles
used to inject drugs. Use a condom during sex. If you choose to have tattoos or
body piercing, be picky about cleanliness and safety when selecting a shop.
Avoid risky behaviour: Get help if you use illicit intravenous drugs, and do on share needles
used to inject drugs. Use a condom during sex. If you choose to have tattoos or
body piercing, be picky about cleanliness and safety when selecting a shop.
·
Get vaccinated: If you are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you have
already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor
about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
Get vaccinated: If you are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you have
already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor
about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
·
Use medications wisely: Take prescription and non-prescription drugs only
when needed and only in recommended doses. Do not mix medications and alcohol.
Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements or prescription or non-prescription
drugs.
Use medications wisely: Take prescription and non-prescription drugs only
when needed and only in recommended doses. Do not mix medications and alcohol.
Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements or prescription or non-prescription
drugs.
·
Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids: Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental
needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.
Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids: Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental
needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.
·
Take care with aerosol sprays: Make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask
when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Take care with aerosol sprays: Make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask
when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
·
Protect your skin: When using insecticides and other toxic chemicals, wear gloves, long
sleeves, a hat and a mask.
Protect your skin: When using insecticides and other toxic chemicals, wear gloves, long
sleeves, a hat and a mask.
·
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver
disease.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver
disease.
Dietary management of disease of the liver
It
is vitally important that patients with liver disease maintain a balanced diet,
one which ensures adequate calories, carbohydrates, fats and
proteins. Such a diet will aid the liver in the regeneration of liver
cells. Nutrition that supports this regeneration is a means of treatment
of some liver disorders.
is vitally important that patients with liver disease maintain a balanced diet,
one which ensures adequate calories, carbohydrates, fats and
proteins. Such a diet will aid the liver in the regeneration of liver
cells. Nutrition that supports this regeneration is a means of treatment
of some liver disorders.
Liver diseases
may change the way the body uses nutrients from food. Some people with liver
disease may not get enough nutrients and lose weight. A liver disease diet
provides the right amount of calories, nutrients, and liquids you need to
manage symptoms of liver disease.
may change the way the body uses nutrients from food. Some people with liver
disease may not get enough nutrients and lose weight. A liver disease diet
provides the right amount of calories, nutrients, and liquids you need to
manage symptoms of liver disease.
Recommended food
It
is important to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups each day to
stay at a healthy weight. You may not feel hungry, or you may feel full right
away after you eat. Eat 4 to 6 small meals throughout the day to make sure you
eat enough calories. The following nutrients are recommended for patient with
liver diseases each day:
is important to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups each day to
stay at a healthy weight. You may not feel hungry, or you may feel full right
away after you eat. Eat 4 to 6 small meals throughout the day to make sure you
eat enough calories. The following nutrients are recommended for patient with
liver diseases each day:
- Protein: It is important to eat the right amount of
protein when you have liver disease. The following foods are good sources
of protein. The amount of protein (in grams) follows each food listed
below. - 3
ounces of meat, pork, turkey, chicken, or fish (21 grams) - 1
cup of milk or yogurt (8 grams) - 1
large egg (7 grams) - 2
tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams) - ½
cup of tofu (7 grams) - ¼
cup of cottage cheese (7 grams) - 1
ounce of cheese (7 grams) - ½
cup of cooked pinto, kidney, or navy beans (3 grams) - Fat: Some people with liver disease have problems
digesting and absorbing fat so patients should stick to a low-fat diet. - Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are found in bread, pasta,
rice, cereal, grains (rice, oats), and starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn,
peas). Liver disease may cause blood sugar levels to be too high or too
low in some people. Patient may need to control the amount of carbohydrate
you eat to help control your blood sugar levels.
What foods should I limit or
avoid?
Ask your dietitian if you need to limit or avoid
some foods. This will depend on the type of liver disease and other health
problems you have.
some foods. This will depend on the type of liver disease and other health
problems you have.
- Sodium: You may need to decrease the amount of sodium
in your diet if your body is retaining fluids. When you retain fluids, you
will have swelling in your body. Ask your caregiver for more information
about a low-sodium diet. Some foods that contain high amounts of sodium
are: - Table
salt - Bacon,
sausage, and deli meats - Canned
vegetables and vegetable juice - Frozen
dinners and packaged snack foods, such as potato chips and pretzels - Soy,
barbecue, and teriyaki sauces - Soups
- Liquids: You may also have to drink fewer liquids if
you have swelling. Liquids include water, milk, juice, soda, and other
beverages. Some foods contain liquid, such as soup. Foods that are liquid
at room temperature, such as gelatin or popsicles, must also be counted as
a liquid. Ask your dietitian how much liquid you may drink each day. - Alcohol: Avoid alcohol because it may make your liver
disease worse. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions about alcohol
in your diet.
- You
gain or lose a lot of weight within a short amount of time. - You
have questions or concerns about the liver disease diet.
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Informative, useful, well-written, brief, lab-to-land and socially relevant health advisory note.