Damage to the liver may originate from a number of different diseases and conditions. The liver plays a key role in the proper functioning of the body by aiding in digestion and filtering toxic substances. Damage to the organ may result in a variety of effects. MayoClinic.com indicates that the problems associated with liver damage may be temporary or permanent, leading to further complications depending on the extent of the damage.
Inflammation
The first effects of liver damage may be the inflammation of the liver, according to the American Liver Foundation. Inflammation develops when the body works to defeat an infection or heal an injury. The liver will become tender and enlarged; however, the individual may not notice anything wrong. Prolonged periods of liver inflammation, the American Liver Foundation indicates, will lead to further damage.
Fibrosis
A liver that is inflamed for a long period of time will begin to form scar tissue. The process of scar tissue replacing healthy tissue is called fibrosis, according to the American Liver Foundation. Progression of this process results in further damage to the liver disrupting the organ's ability to function properly. The scar tissue may block blood flow into the liver causing additional effects. If this condition is treated early the liver still may be able to heal itself.
Cirrhosis
When the liver becomes so scarred it cannot repair itself any longer, cirrhosis has developed. The American Liver Foundation indicates that the resulting symptoms may be the first marker of liver disease. Some of these symptoms, according to the National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse, include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and loss of weight. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that fluid may buildup in the abdominal cavity, a condition called ascites. This condition is caused by fluid leaking from the liver and the intestine.
Advanced Cirrhosis
Further effects may develop as cirrhosis develops even further. The American Gastroenterological Association indicates that the liver may no longer be able to break down certain proteins resulting in toxic levels of ammonia buildup in the blood. This condition, called hepatic encephalopathy, may result in sleep disturbances, problems concentrating, unresponsiveness or even coma. Blood pressure in the veins feeding the liver may rise. As a result, the American Gastroenterological Association indicates that a condition call portal hypertension may arise, resulting in the enlargement of the spleen.
Liver Failure
Liver damage left untreated may result in liver failure, in which the liver functions minimally or not at all. This condition may cause death and requires immediate medical care, according to the American Liver Foundation. Potential immediate symptoms of liver failure include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and diarrhea. Later symptoms may include confusion, disorientation and extreme sleepiness.
Jaundice
Liver damage may cause high levels of bile pigment to buildup in the bloodstream, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. As a result, jaundice may develop. In this condition, the whites of the eyes and the skin turn yellow. Additionally, the individual's urine may turn yellow. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that jaundice may be the only indication of the presence of liver damage.
Cholestasis
Another effect of liver damage is cholestasis, which according to the University of Maryland Medical Center is a condition in which the flow of bile is reduced or stopped. The University of Maryland Medical Center identifies symptoms of cholestatis as pale stool, bone loss, easy bleeding, itching, development of spider-like blood vessels on the skin, chills and enlarged gallbladder.
References
- American Gastroenterological Association: Understanding Cirrhosis of the Liver
- American Liver Foundation: The Progression of Liver Damage
- MayoClinic.com: Liver Problems
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Cirrhosis of the Liver
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Liver Disease
