What is Liver Disease?
Your liver is your body’s second-largest organ (after the skin). It sits just under your ribcage on the right side and is about the size of a football. The liver separates nutrients and waste as they move through your digestive system. It also produces bile, a substance that carries toxins out of your body and aids in digestion.
There are many kinds of liver diseases and conditions. Some, like hepatitis, are caused by viruses. Others can be the result of drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Long-lasting injury or scar tissue in the liver can cause cirrhosis. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, can be one sign of liver disease.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
There are 3 types. Many heavy drinkers progress through these 3 types over time:
- Fatty liver. Fatty liver is the build-up of fat inside the liver cells. It leads to an enlarged liver. It’s the most common alcohol-induced liver problem.
What is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver is a type of liver disease. When there is an excess of fat in the liver, it becomes fatty, which can lead to liver damage. Fatty liver doesn’t only occur due to the consumption of fatty foods but can also result from excessive alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
Fatty Liver can be of two types:
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: It occurs in individuals who consume excessive alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the causes of fat buildup in the liver. It can lead to inflammation and liver damage.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition often occurs in individuals who have obesity and diabetes due to a high-calorie diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. Fatty liver can also develop in these conditions even without alcohol consumption.
Fatty liver can increase the risk of other diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has four stages:
- Normal Fatty Liver and Steatosis: In this stage, fat begins to accumulate in the liver, but there is no inflammation or symptoms. Proper dietary changes can reverse this condition.
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: In this stage, fat buildup in the liver is accompanied by inflammation. When there is inflammation in the liver, it attempts to repair the damaged cells or tissues. The more tissue is damaged, the harder the liver tries to repair it, resulting in scarring of the liver tissue.
- Fibrosis: This occurs when permanent scars or tissues develop in the liver and surrounding blood vessels. During this stage, the liver continues to function to some extent. Treatment at this stage can prevent further damage, and the existing damage may partially reverse over time. However, if left untreated, healthy tissue can be replaced by scar tissue.
- Cirrhosis: In this advanced stage, the liver ceases to function properly, and symptoms like yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) may appear. Removing damaged tissue becomes difficult, and cirrhosis can develop. Cirrhosis is the most severe form of liver damage.
Causes of Fatty Liver: To treat fatty liver, it’s important to understand its causes. Common causes of fatty liver include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Consuming a fatty diet and spicy foods
- High levels of fat in the blood
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of steroids, aspirin, or certain medications
- Excessive chlorine in drinking water
- Viral hepatitis
Symptoms of Fatty Liver: Recognizing the symptoms of fatty liver, especially in its early stages, can be challenging because many people may not be aware of them until the condition has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Indigestion and acid reflux
- Abdominal swelling
In children, fatty liver symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated liver enzymes in the blood
It’s important to monitor and address these symptoms to prevent or manage fatty liver disease.”
- Alcoholic hepatitis. Alcoholic hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver. There is death of liver cells, often followed by permanent scarring.
- Alcoholic cirrhosis. Alcoholic cirrhosis is the destruction of normal liver tissue. It leaves scar tissue in place of the working liver tissue.
Hepatitis
It refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis
What is Hepatitis?
Acute hepatitis, also known as Hepatitis A, lasts for at least six months.
Chronic hepatitis, on the other hand, is long-lasting and persists for an extended period.
Hepatitis is known to be caused by a group of viruses, such as Hepatitis viruses. However, it can also result from exposure to specific toxic substances (especially certain alcohols, certain drugs, some industrial mixtures, and plants) and other types of infections or autoimmune conditions. The main types of hepatitis are:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. It’s usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter—even in microscopic amounts—from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the stool of an infected person.
Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort (especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs), loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, and clay-colored bowel movements. Some people, especially children, may not have any symptoms.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. This can happen through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). However, many people with acute hepatitis B do not have symptoms.
Types of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is primarily classified into two types based on the duration of the infection:
- Acute Hepatitis B: This is a short-term infection that occurs within the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Most adults who get acute hepatitis B clear the virus from their bodies within a few months, and they develop immunity against future HBV infections. Acute hepatitis B can range from mild to severe and can sometimes lead to acute liver failure, although this is rare.
- Chronic Hepatitis B: Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term infection with the hepatitis B virus that persists for more than six months. People with chronic hepatitis B are at increased risk of developing liver complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B can be asymptomatic for many years, and individuals may not be aware that they are infected until liver damage has occurred.
Additionally, there are different serological markers used to classify hepatitis B infection stages and guide treatment decisions:
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen): This is the earliest marker to appear in acute hepatitis B infection and indicates ongoing HBV infection. If HBsAg persists for more than six months, it typically indicates chronic hepatitis B.
HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody): This antibody appears in response to HBV infection or vaccination and indicates immunity to hepatitis B.
HBeAg (Hepatitis B e antigen): This antigen is a marker of active viral replication and high infectivity. Presence of HBeAg typically indicates higher viral replication and increased risk of liver damage.
HBeAb (Hepatitis B e antibody): Appearance of this antibody indicates a transition from the replicative phase to the inactive phase of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Understanding the type and stage of hepatitis B infection is crucial for appropriate management and treatment decisions. It is important for individuals at risk to undergo regular screening for hepatitis B to detect infection early and prevent complications.
The main reason for hepatitis B infection is exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. The most common modes of transmission include:
Sexual Contact: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person can transmit HBV. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Sharing Needles or Syringes: Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HBV-infected blood can spread the virus. This often occurs among injection drug users.
Mother-to-Child Transmission: A pregnant woman infected with HBV can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. However, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced with timely interventions such as administering hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin to the newborn.
Exposure to Infected Blood: Accidental needle sticks or exposure to infected blood or body fluids in healthcare settings can lead to HBV transmission.
Sharing Personal Items: Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person can potentially transmit HBV, although the risk is relatively low compared to other modes of transmission.
Medical Procedures: Inadequately sterilized medical or dental equipment can transmit HBV from one person to another.
Tattooing and Body Piercing: Procedures involving the use of unsterilized equipment can also pose a risk of HBV transmission if contaminated with infected blood.
Prevention of hepatitis B primarily involves vaccination, which is highly effective in preventing HBV infection. Additionally, practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, and using standard precautions in healthcare settings can help reduce the risk of HBV transmission.
Hepatitis C
Symptom Of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver. Many people with hepatitis C do not experience symptoms, especially during the early stages of the infection. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary in severity and may include:
Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted even after adequate rest is a common symptom of hepatitis C.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) can occur due to liver inflammation and dysfunction.
Abdominal Pain: Some individuals may experience discomfort or pain in the abdomen, particularly in the area of the liver.
Loss of Appetite: Hepatitis C infection can lead to a reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite.
Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous and experiencing vomiting can occur, although it’s not always present.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Some people may experience muscle aches and joint pain, similar to flu-like symptoms.
Dark Urine: Urine may appear darker than usual due to the presence of bilirubin, a waste product processed by the liver.
Pale Stools: Stools may become pale or clay-colored due to reduced bile production by the liver.
It’s important to note that symptoms of hepatitis C can be mild and nonspecific, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic for years or even decades. However, even in the absence of symptoms, hepatitis C can cause progressive liver damage, leading to complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer over time.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to hepatitis C or are experiencing any symptoms suggestive of hepatitis C infection, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and testing promptly. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or delay the progression of liver disease and reduce the risk of complications.
Liver Cirrhosis
It is the severe scarring or fibrosis of the liver. It happens in the late stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other conditions that involve liver damage.
The scarring that occurs with cirrhosis is usually irreversible, but treatment can help manage it. Apart from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) other causesTrusted Source include hepatitis, long-term alcohol use, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 1 in 400 adultsTrusted Source are living with cirrhosis in the United States. It’s more likely to affect men than women.
The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 millionTrusted Source people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally.
Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms
Liver cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. As liver function deteriorates, one may experience various signs and symptoms. These can include:
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of liver cirrhosis. This can be due to the liver’s reduced ability to store and release glycogen, a source of energy for the body.
Weakness: Along with fatigue, individuals with cirrhosis may experience generalized weakness or muscle wasting.
Loss of Appetite: A reduced desire to eat or early satiety (feeling full quickly after eating) is common in people with liver cirrhosis.
Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur as a result of decreased appetite and malabsorption of nutrients due to liver dysfunction.
Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may occur due to liver congestion and impaired bile flow.
Abdominal Pain: Some individuals with cirrhosis may experience abdominal discomfort or pain, which can range from mild to severe.
Swelling (Edema): Cirrhosis can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) and legs (peripheral edema) due to increased pressure in the liver blood vessels and decreased protein production by the liver.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) occurs when the liver is unable to effectively process bilirubin, a waste product of red blood cell breakdown.
Itchy Skin: Pruritus (itchy skin) can occur in individuals with cirrhosis due to the buildup of bile salts in the bloodstream.
Spider Angiomas: These are small spider-like blood vessels visible on the skin, particularly on the upper body and face, which can occur due to changes in blood flow associated with liver cirrhosis.
Easy Bruising and Bleeding: Reduced production of clotting factors by the liver can lead to easy bruising and prolonged bleeding from minor injuries or mucosal surfaces.
Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating: Hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by cognitive impairment, confusion, and altered consciousness, can occur as a result of liver dysfunction and the buildup of toxins in the blood.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Liver Cirrhosis
Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda utilizes various herbs known for their hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties. Some commonly used herbs for liver health in Ayurveda include:
- Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
- Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
- Amla (Indian gooseberry)
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
These herbs may be used in formulations or decoctions aimed at improving liver function and reducing inflammation.
Dietary Modifications: Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend dietary changes to support liver health. This may involve avoiding or reducing intake of processed foods, fried foods, alcohol, and excessive amounts of fats and sugars. Instead, emphasis is placed on consuming a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle factors such as stress management, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity are considered important in Ayurveda for overall health, including liver function. Practices such as yoga and meditation may be recommended to promote relaxation and balance.
Detoxification Therapies (Panchakarma): Panchakarma is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy used in Ayurveda. It may involve various cleansing procedures such as herbal enemas (basti), therapeutic vomiting (vamana), and blood purification (raktamokshana). These therapies are aimed at removing toxins from the body and restoring balance.
Ayurvedic Medications: Ayurvedic practitioners may prescribe specific herbal formulations or Ayurvedic medicines tailored to the individual’s constitution and the nature of their liver condition. These formulations often contain a combination of herbs known for their liver-supportive properties.
