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Liver disorders: causes, types and methods of treatment

Liver disorders can significantly affect a person's overall health. Viral infections, genetic factors, side effects of drugs and unhealthy lifestyles are factors that can cause liver problems.

The liver is the largest human organ. This organ is located in the abdominal cavity, in the upper right part of the abdomen, and is protected by the ribs and diaphragm. The liver plays a role in the neutralization of toxins, protein synthesis and the formation of blood clots. The liver also acts as an organ that produces bile for digestion.


Symptoms of liver problems

Most liver disorders do not cause symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms often appear when the liver has entered an advanced stage, or even when the condition has been severely damaged.

Yellowish skin and eyes are the most common sign of liver problems. Itchy skin, bruises, fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, swollen abdomen and pain are other symptoms that can occur with liver problems.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms, especially if the symptoms do not go away for several days. If left unchecked, liver problems can become more serious.

Common causes and risk factors for liver disorders

Liver disorders are caused by many factors, including:

  • Viral hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis A, B and C. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted through food and drink that is contaminated with the hepatitis virus. While hepatitis B and C spread through sperm, blood, contact with people with hepatitis B and C.
  • Genetic disorders.
  • Cancer.
  • Fat accumulation.
  • Immune system disorders.
Liver disease is also caused by disease, the environment and an unhealthy lifestyle. The risk of suffering from a liver disorder increases if:

  • Use syringes for alternative medicine.
  • Use an unsterile needle or tattoo needle.
  • Frequent sex without a condom or changing partners.
  • Contact with blood or body fluids for people with hepatitis.
  • Excessive drug consumption.
  • Have the habit of drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Long-term chemical exposure.
  • Get fat
  • Suffering from diabetes.

Types of liver disorders

Various conditions and diseases can interfere with liver function. Types of liver disorders include:

Jaundice
In Indonesia, the condition of yellowing skin and eyes is called jaundice. Although this condition is actually a symptom of a liver disorder that is characterized by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. This is due to levels of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the blood that exceeds normal values. Bilirubin levels become high due to cell abnormalities or inflammation of the liver.

Cholestasis
Cholestasis is a condition of bile obstruction. Bile is produced by the liver to help the digestive process. This blocked bile flow causes accumulation of bilirubin.

Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a chronic condition of the formation of wounds or scar tissue in the liver. Liver damage with cirrhosis cannot be repaired. This condition can cause liver failure. The habit of drinking alcoholic beverages, hepatitis B and C virus infections are the most common causes of cirrhosis.

Hepatitis A
This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus. This virus causes inflammation of the liver. The method of transmission is through contaminated dirt, water and food. Physical contact with patients during intercourse can also increase the risk of contracting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection. This disease is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is transmitted through blood, bodily fluids or open sores. Pregnant women with hepatitis B can also transmit it to the fetus in the womb. An infected liver will suffer wounds, liver failure, and even cancer if not treated immediately.

Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through blood. Hepatitis C causes the liver to swell. The chronic condition of this viral infection causes cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer in the liver.
Foie gras or foie gras
As the name suggests, the characteristics of this disease are characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. As a result, the liver becomes inflamed and can turn into permanent scarring. In chronic conditions, the liver can experience cirrhosis and liver failure. Liver steatosis can be caused by alcohol consumption (alcoholic fatty liver disease), as well as by other causes (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), such as diabetes and obesity.

Heart cancer
Liver cancer occurs when liver cells mutate so that they grow out of control. In some cases, chronic infections caused by the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause liver cancer.

In addition to the above, certain diseases caused by bacteria, toxins and genetic disorders can also cause liver disorders.

Treatment of liver disorders

Treatment of liver disorders depends on the type of disease. Some liver disorders can be overcome by changing lifestyles, for example by stopping alcoholic drinks, losing weight and adopting healthy and clean lifestyle habits.

The use of antivirus is necessary if liver disorders are caused by virus infection. But if you have cirrhosis, a damaged liver can't be cured. Treatment can still be done by monitoring the course of the disease and reducing the risk of complications.

Treatment of patients with chronic liver failure is performed surgically to maintain the function of the liver. If it turns out this effort is not possible, a liver transplant is needed to save the patient's life.

Liver disorders can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids sufferers of hepatitis. Also make sure you and your family are vaccinated against hepatitis to prevent this disease effectively.

If you have signs and symptoms of liver problems, you should consult a doctor for a complete examination and further treatment.

 

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