answersLogoWhite

0

In the human body, the liver acts as a filter for the bloodstream, and it's primary role is to remove toxins. The liver also removes fats from blood and then transfers them for storage. When the liver becomes overwhelmed by toxins or fats, it can then lead to liver disease. The term "liver disease" actually encompasses a variety of illnesses and disorders that effect the liver, although people primarily associate liver disease with hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver.

Most liver disease builds in stages, starting with fatty liver. From there, a progression occurs to hepatitis, and finally, cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease occurs when too many fat cells have accumulated in the liver, but the condition is typically reversible. Hepatitis, however, is much more serious and is typically brought on by a build up of toxins, although there are a number of viruses which can also cause hepatitis. Symptoms of hepatitis usually include jaundice, muscle pain, dark urine and abdominal pain and pressure. If liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, the chances for survival begin to drop.

Cirrhosis occurs when the liver has been accumulated to many scars, and these scars ultimately choke off the bile ducts which help to transfer toxins out of the bloodstream. Once the process of cirrhosis begins, treatment possibilities become limited, and often, the only option for combating cirrhosis is a liver transplant. While the human liver has an amazing regenerative quality, if too much scarring has occurred and too many liver cells have died, it loses its ability to regenerate.

One of the primary causes of liver disease is the over-consumption of alcohol over a long period of time. Many people who suffer from Alcoholism go on to develop liver disease, and in some cases, this can lead to fatalities. Certain medications, such as acetaminophen, can also lead to liver disease if taken in too large a quantity in a short period of time, or when taken in smaller amounts over long periods of time. If you're concerned about the health of your liver, it's important to have blood tests performed to determine if any damage has occurred. In many cases, liver disease and damage can be reversed if caught early enough.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are the disease of the liver?

the four stages of liver disease are: 1.) Inflammation 2.) Fibrosis 3.) Cirrhosis 4.) and well cancer...


What are the stages of liver disease?

There are many myths regarding the stages of cirrhosis of the liver. Many people believe that cirrhosis only occurs in heavy drinkers, while others think they are safe from the disease simply because they avoid alcohol. The reality, however, is that liver cirrhosis can afflict any person for a number of reasons. Knowing the stages of liver cirrhosis can help you understand the disease and take preventative measures to protect yourself from it.What is Cirrhosis?Cirrhosis is a disease in which the liver loses the ability to function due to fibrous scar tissue and nodules replacing the healthy tissue within the organ. It is a chronic illness that can afflict anyone. Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis, but anyone with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease or cystic fibrosis is also at risk.Educating yourself about the stages and symptoms of liver cirrhosis can help you protect yourself from the disease. Early stagesIn the early stages of liver cirrhosis, severe symptoms are not always present. A patient sometimes complains of itching, fatigue, jaundice and changes in the shape of their fingernails. During these early stages, many doctors are simply forced to treat the symptoms as they arise. If the disease is caught during these early stages, there is a more positive prognosis. If the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may occur. The size of the liver may increase, the spleen may enlarge and the body can sometimes form ascites. This happens when fluid accumulates in body cavities (such as the stomach) and causes a bloated appearance.Late stagesThe late stages of liver cirrhosis have a much more negative prognosis than the early stages. In these stages, the liver is most likely beyond repair and is not curable through medication alone. Often, patients who are in the late stages of liver cirrhosis suffer from complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, in which the liver cannot filter ammonia out of the bloodstream. An excess of ammonia in the bloodstream can affect a person's cerebral functioning and cause him or her to suffer from forgetfulness, unresponsiveness and changes in sleeping habits. The final stage of cirrhosis, sometimes called end-stage cirrhosis, requires a liver transplant. If the transplant is not performed, there is usually not much more the doctors can do for the patient.Cirrhosis of the liver is a severe disease; understanding the stages and realizing that anyone is at risk, not just heavy drinkers, can help you watch out for the symptoms in yourself or those close to you. While the prognosis is not always positive, it is much easier to spot the symptoms of this disease if you understand it, and know what to look for.


People with what disease are most likely to have side effects from taking ondansetron?

People with liver disease may be more likely to have side effects from ondansetron.


Effects to the body from alcoholism?

Severe brain damage, chronic and progressive liver disease leading to breakdown in liver function and death.


Does a change of diet help in the stages of liver cancer?

Cancer are usually staged I to IV with I being localized disease and IV being advanced, and usually metastatic disease. Limit alcohol consumption since it is metabolized by the liver.


What is the difference between end stage kidney disease and end stage liver disease?

Both refers to the advanced stages of disease of that organ from which a normal recovery is not possible(let it be kidney or liver).Both are two separate entities with different causes,presentations.


Will cows milk give persion cats liver disease?

No. Cats cannot easily process lactose once they are weaned, but liver disease is not one of the effects of drinking cow's milk.


What is the effects of liver cancer in organism?

many living things will have this disease maybe getting die


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.


How do cholesterol-reducing drugs affect people with kidney or liver disease?

people with kidney or liver disease may be more likely to have blood problems or other side effects when they take certain cholesterol-reducing drugs. And some drugs of this type may actually raise cholesterol levels in people with liver disease.


What are the effects of excessive alcohol have on the liver?

Excessive alcohol use can cause a condition or disease called cirrhosis. It can be fatal.


What is Diffuse hepatocellular disease liver?

Affects hepatocytes and interferes with liver function