As a responsible medical healthcare provider among Sri Lankan people, Deedmed Lives raises awareness about chronic diseases. Our previous articles have brought you many important topics, and a series of articles explains a prevalent chronic condition that has been active for many years islandwide. We will mention those links below this paragraph for reference. Remember to review those articles if you have missed them whenever you have time. In this article, we will bring important information about another prevailing chronic condition due to the different common and unique reasons from person to person in Sri Lanka. Here we are going to discuss understanding the dangers of liver diseases. This will include the causes of liver diseases, symptoms, results, how to protect yourself, and treatments.

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Why are Liver Diseases so severe?

This topic is well explained as to why keeping your liver healthy is so important. Liver diseases are so severe due to the functions the liver provides to the body. When the human liver is damaged and doesn’t function well, it interrupts many body functions. Different body parts stopped working correctly, and serious health problems occurred. The essential tasks that the liver performs are as follows.

1. Filtering toxins and waste products from the blood
2. Producing bile to aid in digestion and absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins
3. Storing and releasing glucose (sugar) as needed to regulate blood sugar levels
4. Synthesizing proteins that are necessary for blood clotting and other important body processes
5. Processing and metabolizing drugs and medications
6. Controlling cholesterol levels in the blood
7. Removing excess hormones from the body
8. Producing immune factors that help fight infections

When the liver is damaged or unable to function correctly due to diseases, these vital processes are disrupted, which can lead to a range of serious health problems. That’s why liver diseases are severe.

Causes for Liver diseases

The liver can be susceptible to damage and disease from various factors. They may include viral infections, alcohol consumption, obesity, autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders, medications, toxins, and inherited genetic conditions. These factors can cause inflammation, scarring, and other types of damage to the liver. It can lead to liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Following are some of the most common causes of liver diseases, and understanding them can help prevent and manage liver-related illnesses.

Viral infections 

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other viral infections may cause liver inflammation and damage.

Alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol over a long period results in alcoholic liver disease, ranging from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

This condition occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver, often due to obesity, insulin resistance, or high levels of triglycerides.

Autoimmune disorders

Some autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.

Metabolic disorders

Certain metabolic disorders, such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can cause liver damage.

Medications and toxins

Some medications and toxins can cause liver damage, especially if taken in large amounts or over a long period.

Inherited liver diseases

Some liver diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, glycogen storage diseases, and some forms of liver cancer, are inherited.

Symptoms and Effects of Liver Diseases

In the early stages, liver diseases don’t show any symptoms. However, when the condition grows, symptoms start to appear. The most common symptoms of liver diseases mentioned at the beginning of the article are as follows.

1. Fatigue
2. Weakness
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Abdominal pain
6. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
7. Itching
8. Fluid buildup in the abdomen.

In advanced stages, liver diseases can lead to liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Liver diseases can also increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms of liver disease or have risk factors for liver disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage to the liver and improve the chances of recovery. The following section will discuss protecting yourself from liver diseases and available treatments.

Protecting Yourself from Liver Diseases 

Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from the risks of liver disease. Everyone is highly advised to follow the steps below to prevent Liver disease.

1. Vaccinations: Vaccinations are available to protect against hepatitis A and B, viral infections that can cause liver damage.
2. Practice safe sex: Unprotected sex with multiple partners can increase the risk of viral hepatitis, leading to liver damage.
3. Avoiding sharing needles for drug use, piercings, or tattoos can increase the risk of viral hepatitis.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption can help prevent alcoholic liver disease.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, so maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent this condition.
6. Avoid exposure to toxins: Limit exposure to chemicals and toxins, such as cleaning products and insecticides, as they can damage the liver.
7. Be careful with medications: Certain medications can cause liver damage, especially if taken in large amounts or over a long period. Always follow the recommended dosage and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Even if someone highly follows the above advice, they still have a risk of getting liver disease. So, different treatment options are available for liver diseases depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

Medications may be prescribed to manage viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, and other liver-related conditions. In addition, lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine may be recommended to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other liver-related disorders. Surgery may be necessary for certain types of liver cancer and advanced liver disease complications. 

A liver transplant is also an option in severe cases where the liver is severely damaged and cannot function properly. The treatment plan will depend on the specific condition and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

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