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Liver Problems

The liver is a bile producing organ found in humans and all animals with backbones, as well as many invertebrates. Some of the many functions of this complex organ include breaking down fats during digestion, conversion of sugar into glycogen, iron storage and the conversion of ammonia to urea which is excreted in urine.

  1. Hepatitis

    • The viruses which cause hepatitis diseases make up the most cases of liver damage worldwide. Hepatitis can weaken or damage the livers ability to produce bile, remove harmful substances and regulate blood composition. Hepatitis conditions lasting less than six months are considered acute, cases lasting longer are chronic. Most acute hepatitis cases begin as viral infections and can range from mild conditions requiring no treatment to serious cases necessitating liver transplantation. In addition to viral infections, other causes of hepatitis include excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, toxins and metabolic disorders.

    Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis is most frequently caused by alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease. The most common result of cirrhosis is fluid retention, which can increase the risk of infection. Cirrhosis cannot be cured, but treatment focuses on preventing the advancement of the disease.

    Fatty Liver Disease

    • The most common causes of fatty liver disease are excess alcohol intake and obesity. A reversible condition, fatty liver disease can be treated by eliminating the causes which lead to it. In most cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, there are no visible symptoms, but in severe cases the condition can lead to liver failure.

    Alcoholic Liver Disease

    • The most common cause of liver disease in western countries results from excessive alcohol consumption. Fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis fall under the umbrella of alcoholic liver disease as they can all result from alcohol consumption. Alcoholic liver disease can be prevented by avoiding alcohol or practicing moderation.

    Prevention

    • Prevent hepatitis infections by getting vaccinated, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, avoiding raw and undercooked meat and fish, and practicing good hygiene. You can also decrease your susceptibility to liver damaging infections and illnesses by taking vitamins (especially B12 and C), eating raw fruits and vegetables, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and fattening foods.

    Liver Transplants

    • In cases of severe and life-threatening liver damage, a transplant may be necessary. Liver transplant waiting lists divide patients into groups based on how critical their need of a transplant may be. Due to the shortage of livers available for transplantation, some patients may be refused a transplant if they suffer from cancer, HIV, heart or lung disease, or are active substance abusers. Living donor transplant volunteers can help decrease the waiting time by donating part of their liver to a patient awaiting a transplant. Due to the regenerative properties of the liver, both halves can grow back to full size within six to eight weeks of operating.

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