2023-12-03 19:22:51
It is commonly talked about liver disease because its incidence is increasing. Although in the end not everyone really knows what it is, its first manifestations and the treatments that exist.
Before delving into the topic, it should be remembered that the liver It helps detoxify the body by breaking down medications and harmful substances. It produces bile that helps digestion and is also the organ where many nutrients we need are created, processed and stored.
Liver disease and its relationship with the liver
Although its full definition is quite extensive, the best description that can be given is that liver disease occurs when the liver stops working. It first starts with inflammation but over time it can progress to fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis, which is permanent liver damage.
Cirrhosis, on the other hand, is the development of a irreversible scarring in the liver and prevents the organ from functioning as it should. The more damage, the less effective the liver to perform their key tasks.
What causes liver disease?
Hepatitis B or C infection Certain autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis Inherited metabolic conditions that lead to iron overload or copper accumulation Fatty liver, which was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis liver disease (MASLD) or “fatty liver” Long-term alcohol abuse
“Viral hepatitis infections can become chronic without a person knowing it, so early detection is essential. Other causes of liver disease, such as autoimmune diseases and metabolic problems, are quite rare, but they can also occur without a person knowing it,” says Dr. David Victor, a liver specialist at Houston Methodist Hospital.
It is estimated that up to one in two adults may meet the criteria for MASLD, which means having more than 5% fat in the liver; However, most of these people will not develop liver disease.
Advanced symptoms of liver disease
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Abdominal swelling Easy and severe bruising Swelling in the legs and ankles
The key is really early diagnosis; Find a problem before these symptoms arise. It can be done by constantly monitoring liver function and with an evaluation for viral hepatitis.
Although it is not a sign of liver disease In itself, fatty liver can increase the chance of developing chronic damage. To prevent it, it is helpful to know the risk for this common problem.
The following health conditions increase the risk of metabolically associated fatty liver disease:
Type 2 diabetes Obesity High cholesterol Metabolic syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
How is liver disease diagnosed?
According to the expert from Houston Methodist Hospital, the goal is to detect the liver problem before it progresses.
“We can do this through liver function tests, which are part of a person's routine annual comprehensive metabolic panel,” explains Dr. Victor. “Through blood tests, your primary care doctor can evaluate levels of liver enzymes and proteins, such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase.”
A normal ALT is around 20 for women and between 30 and 40 for men; Higher values are a sign of inflammation in the liver.
If blood tests indicate liver damage, special types of ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to confirm liver health and determine the severity. In complicated or advanced cases, a liver biopsy may be required.
How is liver disease treated?
The first step in treating liver disease is to identify and correct its cause.
“Viral hepatitis can be a chronic infection that affects the liver without the person knowing it, so the goal is for people to be tested for hepatitis B and C, and to be treated in case of a positive diagnosis.”
What happens if chronic liver disease is left untreated?
Complications of liver disease don't just affect the liver. They can affect the abdomen, lungs, brain, heart, etc. And, if liver failure occurs, it can lead to death unless a liver transplant occurs.
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