What is Liver Disease?
Liver disease encompasses various conditions that affect your liver's function and health. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters blood, and fights infections.
Common Types of Liver Disease
-
Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C)
-
Fatty Liver Disease
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
-
Cirrhosis
-
Autoimmune Liver Diseases
-
Genetic Liver Conditions
Key Symptoms
Early Signs
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Advanced Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Swelling in legs/abdomen
- Easy bruising
Risk Factors
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Viral infections
- Family history
- Certain medications
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
- Liver biopsy (when necessary)
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
Medical Treatments
- Antiviral medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Liver transplant (severe cases)
Prevention
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Maintain healthy weight
- Practice safe sex
- Don't share needles
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis
- Regular medical check-ups
When to Seek Medical Help
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of skin/eyes
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dark urine
Living with Liver Disease
Managing liver disease often requires:
- Regular monitoring
- Medication compliance
- Lifestyle modifications
- Support group participation
- Regular medical follow-up