Located on the right side of the abdomen under your rib cage, the liver is an organ that is about the size of a football. The main function of the liver is to digest food and remove toxins from the body. Liver disease can be genetic. There can be many causes such as viruses, alcohol usage, and obesity which can potentially cause liver issues.
With time, liver diseases can develop into scarring, a life-threatening condition that can lead to liver failure. However, early treatment can heal the liver.
Symptoms
The symptoms and indicators of liver disease are not always noticeable. Following are the signs and symptoms of the hepatic disease:
- Skin and eyes will appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
- Swelling of the legs and toes
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine colour
- Pale stool colour
- Chronic fatigue
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Prone to getting bruises easily
Causes
Following are the causes of a damaged liver:
Infection
Parasites and viruses can infect the liver and cause inflammation which disturbs the function of the liver. Viruses causing liver damage can spread through sick people by blood or semen or contaminated food or drink. Hepatitis viruses are the most frequent kinds of liver infection, including:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
Abnormal immune system
Diseases that attack certain sections of the body (autoimmune) from your immune system might influence the liver.
Other Causes:
- Alcohol Consumption
- Fat stored in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- Certain medicines prescribed or on the market
- Some herbal compounds
Risk Factors
- Factors that may enhance the risk of your liver disease are:
- High consumption of alcohol
- Obesity
- Type-2 diabetes
- Piercings or tattoos
- Injecting drugs using used syringes
- Blood and bodily fluids exposure of other people
- Unprotected sex
- Exposure to certain medications or chemicals
- Family history of liver disease
When to Consult a Doctor?
Talk to your doctor if you have persistent symptoms or signs. Don’t delay and seek medical assistance from an experienced Hepatologist Gangaram hospital other such medical institutions immediately so that the condition doesn’t get worse.
Dr. Vikas Singla 