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Located on the right side of the abdomen and weighing approximately three pounds, the liver's main function is to clean the blood and filter out impurities before they reach the rest of the body. The liver is divided into two sections and works with other organs to absorb, digest and process all ingested substances, such as food, liquids and medications. Liver disease occurs when the liver, for whatever reason, is unable to perform one or more of these vital tasks. There are many different types of liver disease, with varying causes, symptoms and treatments.
Types of Liver DiseaseThere are many different types of liver disease, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Hepatitis A, B and C
- Cirrhosis
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver cancer
- Gilbert's syndrome
- Budd-Chiari syndrome
Although there are several types of liver disease, they typically present similar symptoms. Some signs and symptoms of liver problems include the following:
- Pain and swelling of the right side of the abdomen
- Yellowed eyes or skin
- Chronic fatigue
- Dark yellow urine
- Bloody or discolored stool
- Decreased appetites
- Nausea
Although some types of liver damage are hereditary or other wise unpreventable, many can be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and abstaining from harmful substances and behaviors. For example, drugs and alcohol are common causes of liver disease. The consumption of excess drugs and alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, certain types of hepatitis and liver failure. In addition to illicit drugs, certain prescription medications, including antidepressants, pain relievers and antihistamines, can lead to liver damage. Liver disease can also be transmitted through the use of dirty tattoo and piercing equipment, shared hypodermic syringes, blood transfusions, exposure to bodily fluids and unprotected sex.
Treatment of Liver DiseaseDepending upon a diagnosis, treatment methods for liver disease can vary. Some liver conditions, such as hepatitis A, go away on their own. Others may be treated with antiviral medications, chemotherapy or radiation, the draining of fluid from the abdomen through the use of a syringe, liver transplant or surgical resection of the liver.
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What is the Treatment for hepatitis?
Hepatitis C is a viral disease where the liver is affected. The treatment depends usually on the state of the affected organ and the symptoms of the disease. The treatment usually involves use of anti viral medications and for worst cases, liver transplant may be needed.
What is the difference between liver sclerosis and liver cirrhosis?
Sclerosis or cirrhosis as it is more commonly known is a disease that progresses to slowly effect the proper functioning of the liver. In this article, we try to tell you more about this disease, the causes for the same, its symptoms, the treatment process.
Is hepatitis a serious disease?
liver disease
What does the disease primary sclerosing cholangitis damage?
The disease primary sclerosing cholangitis damages to a person's liver. Many people do not experience symptoms. It causes inflammation of the bile ducts both inside and outside the liver.
What types of professional are involved in treatment of Wilson disease?
A gastroenterologist will treat and monitor liver disease, while a neurologist and psychiatrist (or neuropsychiatrist) should evaluate and treat neuropsychiatric symptoms.
What are the treatments of liver disease?
Symptoms of liver disease include jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes) and abdominal pain. For treatment, see a doctor; the Internet is no substitute for someone who spent twelve years going to school for medicine.
Treatment Options for Liver Disease?
Liver disease is a broad, general term that is used to describe a large variety of chronic diseases and injury that affects the liver. The liver itself is a vital organ which helps to purify blood of toxins as well as aiding in digestion. Because there is a large variety of causes for liver disease, liver disease treatment is as varied as the illness itself, and will depend on root causes, symptoms, and portion of the liver that is affected.Types of Liver Disease and Causes:There are many types of injuries and illness that can cause liver disease. The most common problems, however, include viral infections, prolonged drug or alcohol use, and cancer.Viruses such as Hepatitis A, B and C are some of the leading causes of liver disease and liver inflammation. Though the acute forms of these diseases can be combated with medication, proper diet and a healthy immune system, the chronic form of the disease may cause severe scarring and need more advanced treatment.Extended prescription and non-prescription drug use can also damage liver functions in a similar manner as frequent and prolonged alcohol use; the strain of filtering odd large amounts of additional toxins can cause liver inflammation and scarring, and increase the risk of liver cancer as well.Liver Disease Treatment Options:Liver disease can be diagnosed using several methods, including CT scans, ultrasounds, and blood tests designed to monitor kidney and liver functions. Once the root cause is determined, proper treatment can be prescribed by a physician.Typically, about 75% of the liver must be affected before liver disease symptoms become readily apparent. Because a disease, scarring or injury may be chronic by this point, liver transplants are often the most effective way to prevent complete liver failure.Medications can also be helpful in some cases, as well as special diets that include low sodium intake. Because some forms of liver disease cause a patient to retain water or fluids in the liver, withdrawing the fluids is also a possible treatment option if the liver isn't excessively scarred. Other surgery, such as removal of tumors and cysts, can also be viable options.
What are the causes of the lyme disease treatment?
Lyme's disease can use antibiotics that have side effects such as a rash and other allergic reactions, such as liver toxicity. You should carefully consider the pro's and con's of the treatment versus the effects of the disease itself.
What are the symptoms usually found for liver disease?
The symptoms of liver disease are nausea, fatigue, vomiting, yellow skin, weakness, weigh loss, confusion, headaches and many more. One should see a doctor if they have these symptoms.
Treating Liver Disease?
The liver is an important organ. It is resilient, but prolonged mistreatment of the liver and contagious diseases can damage the liver. Treating liver damage is crucial.Causes and sympoms of liver diseaseThere are two main types of liver disease: chronic and acute. Chronic liver disease develops over months or years and can result from things like excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, hemochromatosis or malnutrition. Acute liver disease is most commonly caused by acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, hepatitis, drug reactions or consuming toxic wild mushrooms. The early symptoms of liver disease include nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. More advanced liver disease can result in jaundice, bloody stool, confusion and comas. If any of the advanced symptoms are noticed, take the sufferer to the doctor or hospital immediately.If advanced symptoms of liver disease, such as bloody stool or jaundice, are noticed, go the doctor or hospital immediately. Treating Liver DieaseFortunately, the liver is a very hardy organ. It is actually capable of regenerating itself. Acute liver failure from acetaminophen overdose is frequently reversible if it is detected early enough. If the liver disease is chronic and caused by over-consumption of alcohol, sugar or vitamin A, the first step for treatment is discontinuing use of the exacerbating substance. Also, patients with liver disease should avoid taking any medication that is not absolutely necessary. Certain foods, such as broccoli, can assist the liver's regrowth especially consumed along with plenty of water. In the most severe cases, a liver transplant is sometimes necessary. Luckily, a liver transplant is a common procedure with a high success rate.Most causes of liver disease are completely avoidable, so make sure to only drink in moderation and do not take extraneous medication or supplements. Vaccines exist for preventing hepatitis, which eliminates the most common viral causes of liver disease. If symptoms of liver disease do manifest themselves, immediately visit the doctor or hospital.
What are some of the symptoms of alcoholic liver disease?
In the case of the symptoms of alcoholic fatty liver disease include: weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, general sense of feeling unwell.
What are symptoms of liver disease?
Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs after years of drinking too much. The longer the alcohol use has occurred, and the more alcohol that was consumed, the greater the likelihood of developing liver disease.
