The liver is the organ responsible for removing toxins from the blood, storing energy, breaking down fat, producing cholesterol and performing several other essential bodily functions. It is a highly robust organ, capable of constant cellular turnover in order to meet the demands of the body. When the liver is exposed to harmful elements, called hepatoxins, short-term and long-term damage can occur. There are several things that can cause damage to the liver. In most cases the liver can repair itself, but some toxins and conditions can lead to chronic liver disease and liver failure.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common substances that can cause liver damage. The liver can tolerate small to moderate amounts of alcohol for short periods of time, but some people may cause considerable damage from short-term binge drinking or chronic drinking, commonly known as alcoholism. According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, excess alcohol can cause a chemical imbalance in the liver and blood, leading to reduced function. Long-term drinking can result in inflammation, scarring and excessive fatty deposits. Mixing alcohol with certain medications or drinking while infected with hepatitis C can cause extensive liver damage.
Viral Hepatitis
There are several types of viruses that can cause acute and chronic liver damage. These viruses are known as the hepatitis viruses, types A through E. The most common types are A, B and C. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through food and water contaminated by feces. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, including sexual intercourse, childbirth and needle sharing. The symptoms of hepatitis include yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue, abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild fever and headache. Vaccines exist for types A and B, while long-term antiviral treatment is required to eliminate hepatitis C.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever, but in high doses it can cause serious liver damage. In the December 2005 issue of "Hepatology," Anne Larson of the University of Washington Medical Center and her associates found that acetaminophen was the leading cause of acute liver failure, accounting for 42 percent of cases. In the same study, 27 percent of the patients studied died from liver failure. Taking more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day can lead to overdose symptoms. According to Drugs.com, these symptoms can include abdominal pain, appetite loss, coma, convulsions, diarrhea, irritability, yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, sweating and vomiting.
Other Hepatoxins
There are many other substances that can cause damage to the liver. According to Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, there are over 800 drugs that can cause liver disease. These drugs are used to treat several conditions, including cancer, high cholesterol, HIV and other infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are also several medicinal herbs that can cause liver damage. These include cascara, chaparral, comfrey, kava and ma-huang. In addition, Mayo Clinic states that industrial chemicals can also cause serious liver damage. At least 20 can cause acute liver injury and even death, while another 150 can cause liver inflammation.
References
- Canadian Liver Foundation: Alcohol and the Liver
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Viral Hepatitis
- "Hepatology"; Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure: Results of a United States Multicenter, Prospective Study; Anne Larson et al.; December 2005
- Drugs.com: Acetaminophen Overdose
- MayoClinic.com: Toxic Hepatitis
