The liver is a crucial organ. It is about the size of a football and is located on the right side of the abdomen under the rib cage. It helps to digest food, absorb nutrients and remove toxins. While it is usually able to heal itself after short-term damage, long-term abuse can lead to excessive and irreversible scarring of the tissue, called cirrhosis. Liver function is frequently measured by the amount of related enzymes in the blood. High liver function tests indicate damage to the liver.
Risk
Liver damage is usually caused by chronic alcohol consumption, hepatitis, acetaminophen toxicity or inhaled toxins. Some herbal remedies can also affect liver function. These include black cohosh, ma-huang, chaparral, comfrey, germander, greater celandine, kava, mistletoe, pennyroyal, skullcap and valerian.
Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of liver damage are difficult to specify. Feeling tired may be accompanied by occasional itching. More prominent symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, blood in stool, confusion and abdominal edema.
Diagnosis
A series of blood tests are used to assess liver damage. Albumin is produced by the liver and is therefore decreased during damage. Bilirubin is created by the breakdown of red blood cells and then filtered by the liver. High levels of bilirubin are also known as jaundice, including yellowing of the eyes and skin. Enzymes increase with liver damage including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Prothrombin time (PT), which measures the clotting of plasma, also increases with liver damage.
Treatment
Acute or short-term liver damage can repair itself. Long-term damage leading to cirrhosis is not repairable. Liver transplant and complex medications are required.
Prevention
Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid hepatitis exposure from IV drug use, body piercing, tattoos, unprotected sex, and sharing razors, toothbrushes or other personal care items. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. Use medications wisely and at minimum dosage only. Guard skin from exposure to insecticides or other harsh chemicals. Follow a low-fat diet and maintain a healthy weight.
