Definition of liver disease
Liver disease is any disturbance of liver function
that causes illness. The liver is responsible for many critical functions
within the body and should it become diseased or injured, the loss of those
functions can cause significant damage to the body. Liver disease is also
referred to as hepatic disease, liver disease is broad term that covers all the
potential problems that cause the liver to fail to perform its designated
functions, usually more than 75% or three quarters of liver tissue needs to be
affected before a decrease in function occur.
that causes illness. The liver is responsible for many critical functions
within the body and should it become diseased or injured, the loss of those
functions can cause significant damage to the body. Liver disease is also
referred to as hepatic disease, liver disease is broad term that covers all the
potential problems that cause the liver to fail to perform its designated
functions, usually more than 75% or three quarters of liver tissue needs to be
affected before a decrease in function occur.
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body
and is considered a gland because among its many functions, it makes and
secretes bile. The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen,
protected by the rib cage. It has two main lobes that are made up of tiny
lobules. The liver cells have two different sources of blood supply. The
hepatic artery supplies oxygen rich in blood that is pumped from the hearts,
while the portal vein supplies nutrient from the intestine and the spleen.
and is considered a gland because among its many functions, it makes and
secretes bile. The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen,
protected by the rib cage. It has two main lobes that are made up of tiny
lobules. The liver cells have two different sources of blood supply. The
hepatic artery supplies oxygen rich in blood that is pumped from the hearts,
while the portal vein supplies nutrient from the intestine and the spleen.
Normally, veins return blood from the body to the
heart, but the portal vein allows chemicals from the digestive tract to enter
the liver for ‘’DETOXIFICATION’’ and filtering prior to entering the general
circulation.
heart, but the portal vein allows chemicals from the digestive tract to enter
the liver for ‘’DETOXIFICATION’’ and filtering prior to entering the general
circulation.
The portal vein also efficiently delivers the
chemical and proteins that the liver cells needs to produce, the proteins, cholesterol
and glycogen required for normal body activities.
chemical and proteins that the liver cells needs to produce, the proteins, cholesterol
and glycogen required for normal body activities.
As part of its function, the liver makes bile, a
fluid that contains among other substances, water, chemicals and bile acids
(made from stored cholesterol in the liver). Bile is stored in the gallbladder
and when food enters the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), bile
is secreted into the body that can easily replace damaged cells, but if enough
cells are lost, the liver may not be able to meet the needs of the body.
fluid that contains among other substances, water, chemicals and bile acids
(made from stored cholesterol in the liver). Bile is stored in the gallbladder
and when food enters the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), bile
is secreted into the body that can easily replace damaged cells, but if enough
cells are lost, the liver may not be able to meet the needs of the body.
The liver can be considered a factory and among its
many functions include the following:
many functions include the following:
1)
Production of bile that is required in the digestion of food, in
particular fat.
Production of bile that is required in the digestion of food, in
particular fat.
2)
Production of blood clotting factors.
Production of blood clotting factors.
3)
Metabolizing medications into their active ingredient in the body.
Metabolizing medications into their active ingredient in the body.
4)
The processing and storage of iron necessary for red blood cell
production.
The processing and storage of iron necessary for red blood cell
production.
5)
Production of amino acids (the building blocks for making proteins),
including those used to fight infection;
Production of amino acids (the building blocks for making proteins),
including those used to fight infection;
6)
Manufacture of cholesterol and other chemicals required for fat
transport;
Manufacture of cholesterol and other chemicals required for fat
transport;
7)
Storing the extra glucose or sugar as glycogen and then converting it
back into glucose when the body need’s energy
Storing the extra glucose or sugar as glycogen and then converting it
back into glucose when the body need’s energy
8)
Conversion of wastes products of the body metabolism into urea that is
excreted in the urine.
Conversion of wastes products of the body metabolism into urea that is
excreted in the urine.
Causes of liver disease
Liver
disease can be caused by several factors which include infection, immune
system, abnormality, genetics and other lifestyle related issues.
disease can be caused by several factors which include infection, immune
system, abnormality, genetics and other lifestyle related issues.
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 A
·
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B
·
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C
Immune system abnormality
Diseases in which the immune system attacks certain
parts of the body (autoimmune) can affect the liver. Examples of autoimmune
liver diseases include:
parts of the body (autoimmune) can affect the liver. Examples of autoimmune
liver diseases include:
·
Autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis
·
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Genetics
An abnormal gene inherited from one or both of an
individual’s parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver,
resulting in liver damage, example of genetic related liver disease is Wilson’s
disease.
individual’s parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver,
resulting in liver damage, example of genetic related liver disease is Wilson’s
disease.
Other
lifestyle related causes of liver disease include
lifestyle related causes of liver disease include
- Chronic
alcohol abuse - Fat
accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)
Signs and symptoms of liver disease
1.
Jaundice
Jaundice
2.
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain
3.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting
4.
Weakness and fatigue
Weakness and fatigue
5.
Yellow discoloration of the skin
Yellow discoloration of the skin
6.
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Types of liver disease
1. Alcoholic liver disease
The liver is responsible for the metabolism of
alcohol. It breaks down so that it can then be eliminated from the body. Alcohol
can damage or destroy liver cells, and the liver can be seriously injured when
more alcohol is consumed than it can process. Excessive consumption of alcohol
is a common cause of liver damage, and alcoholic liver disease can occur after
years of heavy drinking. This can lead to:
alcohol. It breaks down so that it can then be eliminated from the body. Alcohol
can damage or destroy liver cells, and the liver can be seriously injured when
more alcohol is consumed than it can process. Excessive consumption of alcohol
is a common cause of liver damage, and alcoholic liver disease can occur after
years of heavy drinking. This can lead to:
·
Fatty liver disease: The
excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells, this condition usually produces
no symptoms or mild symptoms and occurs in the earliest stages of liver
disease, but it will typically go away when a person stops drinking
Fatty liver disease: The
excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells, this condition usually produces
no symptoms or mild symptoms and occurs in the earliest stages of liver
disease, but it will typically go away when a person stops drinking
·
Alcoholic hepatitis: This is the inflammation and swelling of the
liver. It may be chronic yet mild, lasting for years but within no specific
symptoms, with mild cases, the damaged may be reversed if alcohol consumption
is stopped. If it continues, over time, the liver may sustain more and more
damage. If the damage becomes severe, the symptoms can appear quickly within
hours or days, and may be fatal.
Alcoholic hepatitis: This is the inflammation and swelling of the
liver. It may be chronic yet mild, lasting for years but within no specific
symptoms, with mild cases, the damaged may be reversed if alcohol consumption
is stopped. If it continues, over time, the liver may sustain more and more
damage. If the damage becomes severe, the symptoms can appear quickly within
hours or days, and may be fatal.
·
Cirrhosis: The scaring of the liver and the most serious form
of alcoholic liver disease. It occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by
hard scar tissue, affecting the structure of the liver and affecting its
ability to function, the damage usually cannot be reversed but may not progress
further if a person stop drinking. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and
increase the risk of liver cancer.
Cirrhosis: The scaring of the liver and the most serious form
of alcoholic liver disease. It occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by
hard scar tissue, affecting the structure of the liver and affecting its
ability to function, the damage usually cannot be reversed but may not progress
further if a person stop drinking. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and
increase the risk of liver cancer.
2. Liver failure
This occurs when liver function is markedly
impaired. It can be caused by wide variety of disorders e.g.
impaired. It can be caused by wide variety of disorders e.g.
a.
Acute viral hepatitis
Acute viral hepatitis
b.
Extensive necrosis due to poisoning, e.g. some drug over doses,
hepatoxic chemical, advance drug reaction.
Extensive necrosis due to poisoning, e.g. some drug over doses,
hepatoxic chemical, advance drug reaction.
c.
Cirrhosis of the liver.
Cirrhosis of the liver.
Liver failure has serious effects on other parts of
the body such as:
the body such as:
·
Blood coagulation defects: the liver fails to synthesis substances need
for blood clotting i.e. puerperal, bruising and bleeding may occur.
Blood coagulation defects: the liver fails to synthesis substances need
for blood clotting i.e. puerperal, bruising and bleeding may occur.
·
Oliguria and Renal Failure: Portal hypertension may cause the
development of oesophageal varies. if this rapture, bleeding may lead to a fall
in blood pressure sufficient to reduce the renal failure.
Oliguria and Renal Failure: Portal hypertension may cause the
development of oesophageal varies. if this rapture, bleeding may lead to a fall
in blood pressure sufficient to reduce the renal failure.
Note:
Portal hypertension raises the capillary hydrostatic pressure in the organs
drain by the tributary of the portal vein.
Portal hypertension raises the capillary hydrostatic pressure in the organs
drain by the tributary of the portal vein.
·
Oedema ardascites: This changes cause the movement of excess fluid into
the interstitial spaces where it causes oedema.
Oedema ardascites: This changes cause the movement of excess fluid into
the interstitial spaces where it causes oedema.
3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
This is a progressive complex of liver disease
which starts with fat accumulation in the liver without excessive alcohol
consumption. It is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome.
which starts with fat accumulation in the liver without excessive alcohol
consumption. It is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome.
4. Viral hepatitis
Viral infections are the commonest cause of acute
liver injury and different types are recognized. The virus enters the liver
cells, causing degenerative changes.
liver injury and different types are recognized. The virus enters the liver
cells, causing degenerative changes.
·
Hapatitis A: Previously known as “infectious hepatitis’’ this type affect mainly the children, causing
a mild illness .infection is spread by hands, food, water and vomits containing
infected faeces.
Hapatitis A: Previously known as “infectious hepatitis’’ this type affect mainly the children, causing
a mild illness .infection is spread by hands, food, water and vomits containing
infected faeces.
·
Hapatitis B: Previously known as “serum hepatitis” infection occurs at
any age, but mostly in adults.
Hapatitis B: Previously known as “serum hepatitis” infection occurs at
any age, but mostly in adults.
·
Hapatitis C: This virus is spread
by blood and blood products, which account for the infection of many people mostly
with hemophilia.
Hapatitis C: This virus is spread
by blood and blood products, which account for the infection of many people mostly
with hemophilia.
Dietary management of liver disease
1.
Eat four to six (4 to 6) small meals throughout the day to make sure u
eat energy calories.
Eat four to six (4 to 6) small meals throughout the day to make sure u
eat energy calories.
2.
It is important to eat the right
amount of protein e.g. 3 ounces of meat, turkey, chicken or fish (2.1
grams) one large egg (7 grams), one cup of milk yoghurt (8 grams).
It is important to eat the right
amount of protein e.g. 3 ounces of meat, turkey, chicken or fish (2.1
grams) one large egg (7 grams), one cup of milk yoghurt (8 grams).
3.
Some people with liver disease have problems in digesting and absorbing
fat, the fat that is not digested is eliminated in bowel movements. If you have
this problem you may eat less fat.
Some people with liver disease have problems in digesting and absorbing
fat, the fat that is not digested is eliminated in bowel movements. If you have
this problem you may eat less fat.
4.
Control the amount of carbohydrates you eat to help control your blood
sugar level.
Control the amount of carbohydrates you eat to help control your blood
sugar level.
Food to avoid or limit
1.
Alcohol: avoid intake of alcohol because it may make your liver disease
worse.
Alcohol: avoid intake of alcohol because it may make your liver disease
worse.
2.
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 e.g. salt, bacon, sausage roll, canned vegetable and vegetable juice,
barbecue, potato chips etc.
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 e.g. salt, bacon, sausage roll, canned vegetable and vegetable juice,
barbecue, potato chips etc.
3.
Liquids: you may have to drink fewer liquid if you are swelling e.g.
milk, juice, water, soup, soda and other beverages.
Liquids: you may have to drink fewer liquid if you are swelling e.g.
milk, juice, water, soup, soda and other beverages.
Note: THE
risk of not following a liver disease diet, Your symptoms may get worse and can
even lead or develop to other health problems.
risk of not following a liver disease diet, Your symptoms may get worse and can
even lead or develop to other health problems.
References
Abu-Raddad,
L. J. (2014). Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus: systematic review and
meta-analysis. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 59 (6), 765–73.
L. J. (2014). Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus: systematic review and
meta-analysis. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 59 (6), 765–73.
Baik,
S.K. (2014). Alcoholic liver disease: treatment. World journal of
gastroenterology, 20 (36), 12934–44.
S.K. (2014). Alcoholic liver disease: treatment. World journal of
gastroenterology, 20 (36), 12934–44.
Fong,
C. (2003).. Glycogen Storage Disease Type II (Pompe Disease). Seattle (WA):
University of Washington, Seattle.
C. (2003).. Glycogen Storage Disease Type II (Pompe Disease). Seattle (WA):
University of Washington, Seattle.
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H. (2014). Hepatitis B virus: where do we stand and what is the next step for
eradication?. World journal of gastroenterology, 20 (27), 8998–9016.
H. (2014). Hepatitis B virus: where do we stand and what is the next step for
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