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Liver Disease

Liver diseases are a group of conditions that affect the liver. The liver is an organ in the body that helps to filter blood, produce bile, and store nutrients. Liver disease can be caused by viruses, bacteria, high cholesterol levels, or other types of damage.

Liver diseases are usually classified by how they affect the liver:

1. Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver

2. Cirrhosis: scarring of the liver

3. Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD): damage caused by alcohol consumption

4. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): accumulation of fat in the liver

5. Drug-induced Liver Injury: injury caused by drugs or medications

Liver health blog

Common types of Liver Diseases

1. Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver-

The hepatitis virus is a type of virus that can cause liver disease. It is usually contracted through contact with blood, sexual contact, and intravenous drug use. The symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be either acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis lasts less than six months while chronic hepatitis lasts more than six months. Some people who have chronic hepatitis develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis A, B and C are all caused by viruses that are transmitted from person to person. Symptoms for each type differ but they all affect the liver in some way:

 

I. Hepatitis A- causes jaundice (yellowing of skin) as well as vomiting and diarrhea

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread when people who have the virus contaminate food, water, or surfaces.

People who are most at risk for hepatitis A include:

- People with chronic liver disease

- Men who have sex with other men

- People who use drugs

- People with clotting disorders, such as hemophilia

- Children living in developing countries

 

II. Hepatitis B also causes jaundice but it also damages the liver

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. The virus is transmitted from person to person through blood and body fluids.

Hepatitis B is one of the most serious viral infections in the world. It can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to long-term liver disease and sometimes cancer.

There are many ways to contract Hepatitis B, such as: having sex with someone who has it, getting a tattoo or piercing using unsterilized equipment, sharing needles with someone who has it, or coming into contact with their blood.

The good news is that there are vaccines available for both infants and adults which can help prevent this infection from developing into chronic hepatitis B or liver cancer.

 

III. Hepatitis C does not cause jaundice but it does cause fatigue

Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver. It is a serious infection that can cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. There is no specific cure for hepatitis C, but treatment can help prevent serious health consequences. Anyone can get hepatitis C, but it is most common in people who are infected with the virus through intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, dialysis, or sexual contact with someone who is infected. There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C, but there is a vaccine available to help treat the virus. People who are infected with hepatitis C should seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment with antiviral drugs can help to prevent.

2. Cirrhosis: scarring of the liver

Cirrhosis is a serious liver disease that can lead to death. Cirrhosis is caused by the build-up of toxins in the liver. The most common cause of cirrhosis is hepatitis C. cirrhosis can also be caused by alcohol abuse, the use of illegal drugs, and other liver diseases.

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that can cause a person to become very sick. Symptoms of cirrhosis include fatigue, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), and a decrease in the amount of blood that flows through the veins. In some cases, cirrhosis can also cause a person to experience

3.  Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD): damage caused by alcohol consumption

Alcoholic liver disease is a serious medical condition caused by excessive drinking. It can lead to liver failure, which can be life-threatening.

Alcoholic liver disease is a serious medical condition caused by excessive drinking. It can lead to liver failure, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, alcoholic liver disease can lead to liver cirrhosis, a serious condition in which the liver can no longer function normally.

Liver cirrhosis is caused by the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver. This scar tissue makes the liver less able to function and can lead to liver failure.

If you are concerned about your drinking habits and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. A liver ultrasound can help to determine if you have alcoholic liver disease.

4. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): accumulation of fat in the liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when the liver becomes overloaded with fat and cannot break it down. This can lead to inflammation and a build-up of toxins in the body. NAFLD is the most common type of liver disease, and it affects about 25% of people over the age of 25.

There is no one cause of NAFLD, but it is often associated with obesity, alcohol abuse, and a high-fat diet. Treatment for NAFLD typically includes weight loss and a diet that is low in fat and high in carbohydrates. In some cases, medications such as antibiotics or steroids may be necessary.

NAFLD is a serious condition and should not be ignored. If you are concerned about your own health, please contact your doctor.

5. Drug-induced Liver Injury: injury caused by drugs or medications

There is no one answer to the question of whether drug-induced liver injury is a common problem. The answer likely depends on the specific drugs involved, the severity of the injury, and the patient's overall health.

Generally speaking, drug-induced liver injury is a serious problem. In some cases, it can lead to permanent damage to the liver. And, in some cases, it can lead to death.

Drug-induced liver injury can occur when a person takes a drug that damaged their liver. Or, it can occur when a person takes a drug in an inappropriate dose.

Drug-induced liver injury can be caused by a variety of drugs. Common examples include:

1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

2. Antibiotics

3. Antidepressants

4. Blood pressure medications

5. Corticosteroids

6. Marijuana

7. Opioids

8. Steroids

Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
ALD
NAFL
DILI
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