The liver is a triangular shaped organ that sits in the upper right side of the abdomen and has several important functions, including metabolizing medications, glucose and fat. Bile production is another important function of the liver, and it aids in food digestion. Moving blood in and out of the liver is vital to the proper functioning of the organ. Several common liver diseases may impair its function.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
A condition called primary biliary cirrhosis causes inflammation in the bile ducts of the liver. This swelling causes a blockage of the normal flow of bile in the liver and damages the cells in the liver. Middle-aged women are most at risk for developing this condition, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, fatigue, fatty stools, itching, and fatty deposits that develop under the skin. The individual may also develop jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and the white portion of the eyes. Treatment helps decrease symptoms, but does not cure the cirrhosis. Most affected individuals require a liver transplant within seven years of developing the condition, according to Medline Plus.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a leading form of cancer in the world and is on the rise within the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms associated with cancer of the liver begin in later stages of the disease and include weight loss, swelling of the abdomen, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, a loss of appetite and fatigue. Treatment for liver cancer depends on the severity of the condition and may include a combination of surgery, transplant, ablation, chemotherapy, radiation and medications.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when fat begins to accumulate in the liver and cause inflammation and scarring. Individuals with this condition may not experience any symptoms and some may feel pain in the abdomen, weight loss and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. A complication associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease includes a progression to liver failure. A healthy lifestyle, such as a normal weight, a healthy diet and exercise helps decrease the fatty buildup in the liver.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a virus that causes damage the liver from inflammation. The five known types of hepatitis virus---A, B, C, D and E---can enter the body in different ways and most often do not cause any symptoms. Alcohol consumption and some medications can also cause hepatitis. Hepatitis may leave the body within a few months and not cause lasting damage, or it may become a chronic problem and lead to severe complications, including death. Most types of hepatitis transmit from the fecal-oral route or through blood exposure and are preventable with a vaccine, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. Hepatitis C is the only virus currently without an available vaccine to prevent transmission. Individuals contract hepatitis C through exposure to blood through high-risk behaviors such as sharing a drug needle. Treatment for hepatitis includes bed rest and adequate nutrition.
