The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body. Functions of the liver include the production of bile, extra glucose storage, the production of amino acids, and metabolizing medication. Disturbances in liver functions result in varying liver diseases.
Liver disease symptoms include nausea, vomiting, jaundice, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and weakness. There are multiple liver diseases namely cholestasis, compromised blood flow, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. The most common of these is hepatitis which is the inflammation of liver cells.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
This is a viral infection caused by fecal-oral ingestion. For example, not washing your hands every time you go to the toilet.
Hepatitis B
Spread by exposure to bodily fluids such as sharing dirty needles or sexual contact. An acute infection at first, but it can progress to chronic hepatitis which results in liver cancer or cirrhosis.
Hepatitis C
This causes chronic hepatitis, however, is also spread through exposure to bodily fluids through sexual contact and contaminated blood.
Hepatitis D
This disease thrives in association with hepatitis B as well as being spread through bodily fluids.
Hepatitis E
Result of the consumption of contaminated food and water. These cases mostly occur in rural areas.
Other Liver Diseases
Cholestasis
This is caused by bile flow obstruction. The bile ducts become blocked and the build-up of bile in the liver causes jaundice.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
This is caused by the inflammation of the liver from alcohol consumption. Most likely occurs from heavy alcohol consumption, however, moderate alcohol drinkers can develop the disease too.
Cirrhosis
Also known as fibrosis, as more scar tissue develops on the liver, the harder it is for the liver to repair itself. There are no clear symptoms of the disease, however, if detected early, the progression of cirrhosis can be slowed down.
The treatment of liver disease is possible with medication and different vaccines. However, liver failure can only be treated with a liver transplantation. It is important for one to eat healthily, drink clean water daily, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and practice hygienic measures to protect the liver.