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The ‘liver’ is the major metabolic organ in the human body and also a natural detoxifier. A healthy liver ensures the overall well-being of an individual. The liver, located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, takes a crucial part in the digestion of food, producing vital substances like bile and albumin, metabolising and storing nutrients like glycogen and vitamins, and removing toxins and waste products from the body. Any liver damage can disrupt these essential processes and lead to serious health complications.
Synopsis
What is meant by liver damage?
Any condition that can potentially harm the liver and lead to an impaired structure or function can be termed as ‘liver damage’. This damage can be temporary or permanent. Early detection of the signs of liver damage is critical as it allows timely treatment, preventing progressive damage or chronic complications.
Causes of liver damage
Several factors can be responsible for the gradual impairment of liver function and are considered as liver damage causes. Some of the most common ones are:
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Alcohol consumption - Excessive alcohol abuse over a long period of time can be one of the major causes of inflammation in the liver, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and even liver failure.
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NAFLD - Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease can lead to fat build-up in the liver that can eventually progress to inflammation and scarring. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are the main causes behind NAFLD.
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Infections - Viral infections, including hepatitis A, B and C, can cause severe inflammation in the liver and lead to acute or chronic damage.
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Autoimmune conditions - Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis can result in the immune system attacking healthy liver cells.
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Certain drugs - Exposure to toxic chemicals or overuse of medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, and chemotherapy can put strain on the liver.
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Inherited genes - Certain genetic mutations can adversely affect liver function.
Signs of liver damage
The liver, being one of the most important organs, is responsible for several significant functions of the human body. When it gets damaged, it often shows some warning signs that should not be ignored. These signs or symptoms of liver damage may vary with the stage:
Early Stage
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Loss of appetite.
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Pain in the abdomen.
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Fatigue.
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Weakness.
Advanced Stage
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Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
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Pruritus (itchy skin) from toxin build-up.
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Light coloured or bloody stools.
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Dark tea-coloured urine.
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Edema (swelling in legs, ankles and abdomen due to fluid retention).
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Easy bruising.
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Prolonged bleeding.
End Stage
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Ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen).
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More pronounced jaundice with other complications.
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Vomiting blood.
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Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion, mood swings, difficulty in concentrating or sleeping due to toxin accumulation in the brain).
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Increased risk of infection.
Complications from a damaged liver
Liver damage can lead to several complications. The inability to process or absorb nutrients can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and muscle weakness. At times, the poor functioning of the liver can contribute to kidney failure. The possibility of frequent bacterial infections in the blood, respiratory and urinary tracts is also enhanced. Portal hypertension is a common problem among patients with liver damage. This results in enlarged and rupture-prone blood vessels in the esophagus (esophageal varices), leading to internal bleeding. In some cases, especially cirrhosis can develop into liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
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Fatty Liver |
Cirrhosis |
Liver Failure |
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Liver Status |
xcessive fat is accumulated in the liver. |
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Fatty Liver Vs Cirrhosis Vs Liver Failure
How is liver damage diagnosed?
To detect a liver condition or diagnose liver damage, a combined assessment is required involving physical examination, blood tests, imaging and biopsies. These include:
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Physical exam to look for jaundice, edema, ascites, and abdominal tenderness.
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Blood tests to check the levels of liver function, ALT, and AST as well as assess markers like albumin, bilirubin, and clotting factors.
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Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and newer techniques like Transient Elastography and Magnetic Resonance Elastography can detect tumours, blockages or any abnormalities, and measure stiffness or scarring to determine fibrosis.
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Upper GI endoscopy to screen for esophageal varices.
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Biopsies are crucial in confirming malignancies or diagnosing and assessing the severity of the disease in some cases.
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Viral and genetic tests are helpful in ruling out viral infections (hepatitis A, B & C) as the cause or identifying inherited diseases like hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease.
How to prevent and mitigate liver damage?
Treating or managing liver damage largely depends on the extent, cause and type of the damage. The patient might be advised to:
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Reduce body weight (if overweight or obese), especially for fatty liver.
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Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit the consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and fatty foods.
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Abstain from alcohol abuse, as this is crucial in many liver conditions and diseases.
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Avoid self-medication like over-the-counter painkillers or medicines that are potentially harmful to the liver, without consulting a doctor.
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Stay active throughout the day. Try moderate exercise and avoid sedentary habits.
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Consult a gastroenterologist regarding specific treatments.
When to see a gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologists or hepatologists are the specialists who can detect and treat liver disorders in the best possible way. It is important to check with them at the earliest if the following signs are present. This can prevent the liver from damage or progression to failure:
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Abnormal levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes like ALT and AST may indicate fatty liver, and an ultrasound (USG) is recommended.
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Presence of risk factors like obesity, diabetes, history of hepatitis or alcohol abuse, etc.
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Any diagnosed liver disease like hepatitis, cirrhosis or fatty liver (for customised treatment plan).
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Chronic or ongoing symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or itching for more than several weeks and pain in the abdomen.
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Signs of severe liver damage like ascites, bruising or confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) for immediate treatment.
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Overdose of drugs like paracetamol resulting in acute infection or liver disease and requiring immediate attention.
Conclusion
The liver plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of an individual. Hence, the significance of embracing a liver-healthy lifestyle is manifold. In both cases, an early detection can ensure better treatment possibilities and improved outcomes.
With advanced technology and a team of expert gastroenterologists, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake offers precise and prompt diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment facility for all liver diseases.
FAQ's
Yes. Mild damage from fatty liver or mild fibrosis can heal on its own when the underlined cause is addressed. However, severe damage from conditions like cirrhosis remain irreversible though treatment can slow the progression.
Chronic stress can contribute to liver damage indirectly through stress-induced unhealthy habits like overeating, excessive alcohol abuse or negligence towards overall health.
Yes, liver, being the ‘silent organ’ may have no symptoms of damage in the early stages. This makes it difficult to detect. Symptoms mostly appear when the liver is considerably damaged.
Yes, severe or untreated liver damage can lead to serious circumstances. These include liver failure, bleeding disorders, encephalopathy or brain dysfunction. Without proper treatment, liver damage can also become life-threatening.
Yes, liver damage can lead to hormonal imbalance and affect overall reproductive health. It can cause infertility by affecting the menstrual cycles in women and sperm production in men.
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