5 Common Liver Disease & their Causes

We know that, In India, Liver disease problems are increasing very rapidly due to lifestyle modification and unhealthy foods but the awareness about liver disease is not that much. So awareness is the main key to being aware people about common liver diseases. However, it’s also important to note that many people are asymptomatic and can go undiagnosed for years. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent permanent damage to the liver. Liver diseases come in all shapes and sizes. Educating yourself on the various types is an excellent place to start, as each requires different treatments to manage appropriately. Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi – a Liver Specialist in Bangalore has explained the most common liver diseases found in Indian people and their causes.

Here are 5 different types of liver disease:

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infectious agents like diseases( A, B, C, D, and E) or on-infectious factors such as alcohol, fatty liver, certain medicines, specifics, toxins, and autoimmune disorders. The common viruses causing hepatitis can spread in varied ways:

• Hepatitis A and E Spread through polluted food or water.
• Hepatitis B, C, and D is Transmitted via fleshly fluids like blood, vaginal secretions, and semen. High-threat conditioning includes unscreened blood transfusions, sharing needles, unsafe tattoos or piercings, and vulnerable sexual contact.
• Symptoms include fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

This condition occurs when fat builds up in the liver, similar to a clogged drain. There are two main types:

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease( AFLD) Caused by extreme alcohol consumption.
• Non-alcoholic fatty Liver complaint( NAFLD) is Seen in identities who are fat, diabetic, or have metabolic runs.
• The fatty liver complaint is a growing health case. In some regions, it affects 20- 30 of the population. Without treatment, it can cause hard liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Healthy lifestyle selections can significantly reduce the trouble.

Genetic disorders that lead to impaired functioning of the liver are known as metabolic and inherited liver disease. These diseases can include conditions such as Wilson’s disease and Gilbert’s Syndrome, which both slow down the body’s metabolism due to a buildup of toxins. Treatment is dependent on the specific condition and its severity. While some cases can be managed with lifestyle changes, in more severe cases, medical intervention is necessary.

Cirrhosis is the scarring of liver tissue due to habitual liver conditions analogous to alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, and NAFLD. This scarring hinders the liver’s capability to perform correctly, leading to jaundice, bleeding abnormalities, fluid accumulation, and in advanced stages, affecting the kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Early-stage cirrhosis can be managed by addressing its reasons and symptoms, but untreated or progressive cirrhosis can lead to habitual liver failure.

Liver failure occurs when a significant portion of the liver is damaged and can no longer function. It can be acute or chronic:

• Acute Liver Failure Often caused by hepatitis A and E, medicine overdoses(e.g., paracetamol,anti-TB drugs), and certain poisons.
• Chronic Liver Failure is generally due to long-tenure conditions like alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, and NAFLD.
• Symptoms include jaundice, bleeding from gums and bowel, doziness, and coma. Liver failure is life-threatening and requires technical medical care, occasionally requiring a liver transplant.

Liver problems can show up as:

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Itchy skin
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Confusion or mental changes
• Spider veins

• Medications: Depending on the liver condition, medicines may be specified to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, prevent complications, or treat underpinning causalities. For example, antiviral medicines are utilized to treat viral hepatitis, while specifics to reduce cholesterol or insulin resistance may be prescribed for non-alcoholic fatty liver complaints.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly enhance liver health. This includes maintaining the right diet, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, avoiding exposure to poisons, and managing basic conditions like fatness and diabetes.
• Dietary changes Following a liver-friendly diet, similar to one low in saturated fats, enriched sugars, and processed foods, and high in fruits, vegetables, entire grains, and spare proteins, can support liver function and prevent more damage.
• Weight Management For conditions like fatty liver complaints and obesity-related liver cases, achieving and maintaining a healthy cargo through diet and exercise is essential for perfecting liver health.
• Vaccinations: Vaccinations are accessible for hepatitis A and B. Getting vaccinated can prevent these viral infections and reduce the threat of liver-related complications.
• Medical Procedures In some cases, medical procedures may be necessary to treat liver cases. This could carry procedures to drain fluid buildup( ascites), remove gallstones, or perform liver biopsy for diagnosis.
• Liver Transplant In tough cases of liver default or improved liver complaint that can’t be managed with other treatments, a liver transplant may be necessary. During a liver transplant, a diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor.

By educating ourselves about liver conditions, adopting healthy life habits, and seeking prompt medical concentration for symptoms, we can cover our liver and promote long-term health. Remember, a healthy liver is crucial to a healthy life. However, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with the best Liver Transplant Surgeon in Bangalore, Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, If you have any concerns or questions about your liver health. Your liver deserves the best, and taking a visionary way now can guarantee a brighter, healthier future.