The liver is an organ located under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. It plays an essential role in helping digest food, removing waste products from the body, and producing substances called clotting factors, which help keep blood flowing properly. The liver also performs many other vital functions.
Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring, known as liver fibrosis. Advanced scarring may progress to liver cirrhosis and eventually liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition. However, early diagnosis and treatment may give the liver a chance to heal and prevent further damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms of liver disease may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, known as jaundice
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale-colored stool
- Persistent fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Loss of appetite
- Easy bruising
Causes
There are many possible causes of liver disease, including:
Infections
The most common liver infections are caused by hepatitis viruses, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Immune System Disorders
Some liver diseases occur when the immune system attacks the liver or bile ducts. These include:
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Genetic Factors
Some liver diseases are inherited. Examples include:
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson’s disease
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Cancer and Other Growths
Liver-related tumors and growths may include:
- Liver cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Hepatic adenoma
Fatty Liver Disease
Fat buildup in the liver can cause fatty liver disease. This may be known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.
Medications
Some medications can cause liver damage, especially when taken incorrectly, in high doses, or for long periods without medical supervision.
Complications
Complications of liver disease depend on the underlying cause. Without treatment, liver disease may worsen and progress to liver failure.
Possible complications include:
- Esophageal varices, which may cause vomiting of blood
- Enlarged spleen and destruction of blood cells
- Hepatic coma
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
- High blood pressure in the pulmonary artery
Prevention
To help prevent liver disease:
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Avoid risky behaviors such as unsafe tattoos or body piercings, illegal drug use, and sharing contaminated needles.
- Receive hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
- Be careful when taking medications. Use prescription and non-prescription medicines only when needed and follow the recommended dosage.
- Avoid exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids, as hepatitis viruses can spread through accidental needle sticks or improper cleaning of blood and body fluid spills.
- Keep food clean and safe. Wash your hands well before eating or preparing food.
- Protect your skin when using insecticides or toxic chemicals by wearing gloves, long sleeves, a hat, and a mask.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
Diagnosis
Identifying the cause and extent of liver damage helps guide the appropriate treatment plan. Diagnosis usually begins with a review of the patient’s medical history and a complete physical examination.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Blood Tests
Blood tests may include liver function tests, hepatitis virus tests, and immune-related blood tests.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests can help assess the liver structure and detect damage or abnormalities. These may include:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Liver Tissue Examination
A liver biopsy may be performed by taking a small sample of liver tissue and analyzing it to help determine the cause and severity of liver disease.
Treatment
Treatment for liver disease depends on the diagnosis and the underlying cause.
Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or stopping alcohol consumption.
Other liver conditions may require medications or surgery.
In advanced cases, when liver disease causes liver failure, a liver transplant may be needed.
