This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by a doctor from the Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.The liver is one of the organs with important functions in the body. The liver not only aids in the digestion of food and stores energy, but it also performs the function of filtering waste and toxins out of the body. Therefore, if the liver is not functioning properly, it will greatly affect the whole body.
1. What is liver disease?
The liver is an organ about the size of a ball located under the ribcage and on the right side of the abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and removing harmful substances from the body.
Liver disease can be inherited or caused by many factors such as viruses, alcohol use or obesity are also associated with liver damage. Over time these lesions cause scarring on the liver (cirrhosis), and eventually lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.
Trắc nghiệm: Làm thế nào để bảo vệ lá gan khỏe mạnh?
Làm test trắc nghiệm kiểm tra hiểu biết về gan có thể giúp bạn nhận thức rõ vai trò quan trọng của gan, từ đó có các biện pháp bảo vệ gan để phòng ngừa bệnh tật.2. Symptoms of liver disease
Skin and eyes appear yellow (jaundice) Abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant Swelling in the legs and ankles Itching of the skin Dark urine color Pale or bloody stools Nausea Loss of appetite Easy bruising
3. Causes of liver disease
3.1. Infections Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. Viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and abnormalities of the immune system.
Liver diseases can be caused by the autoimmune immune system affecting the liver. Examples of such diseases are: autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary cholangitis.
3.2. Genetics Abnormal genes inherited from one or both parents can cause different substances to build up in the liver and lead to liver damage. Hereditary liver disease may include:
Hemoglobin disease Hyperoxia Wilson's disease Cancer: Liver cancer, bile duct cancer, liver adenoma 3.3. Some other causes Alcoholism Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
4. Risk factors for liver disease
Excessive alcohol use Injecting drugs with shared needles Tattoos or body piercings Blood transfusions Contact with blood and body fluids of an infected person Unprotected sex Exposure to chemicals Substance or Toxin Diabetes Obesity
5. Complications of liver disease
Depending on the cause of the disease, there will be different complications. Untreated liver disease can develop into liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition.
6. Prevention of liver disease
Drink wisely: Healthy people can have up to two drinks per day for men and up to one drink per day for women. Avoid risky behaviors such as: sharing needles, not using condoms when having sex. If you have a tattoo or piercing on your body, choose a safe and hygienic place to do it. Vaccinations: In case there is a risk of contracting any hepatitis virus, get your doctor's help to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Use medication appropriately: Take prescription medications and over-the-counter at the recommended dose. The drug should not be mixed with alcohol. If you want to use alcohol, consult your doctor before using.
Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of other people. Hepatitis virus can be spread through needles or blood or body fluids. Be careful with chemical sprayers. When spraying chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, paints and other harmful chemicals, it is necessary to use labor protection such as wearing gloves, hats, long clothes and masks. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Maintain weight. Obesity may be a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. To keep the liver healthy, in addition to understanding the high-risk causes of liver disease, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In case of abnormal signs, you should see a doctor for timely examination and treatment, because liver disease can be easily controlled and treated if it is in its early stages.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference source: mayoclinic.org