Liver problems can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and a decrease in appetite and weight loss. Although several diseases and conditions can affect this complex organ, liver disease can be inherited as well. According to MayoClinic.com, while some liver problems are minor and will go away on their own, other conditions can be serious and lead to life-threatening complications.
Function
The liver plays a primary role in the body's ability to convert food to energy. Carbohydrates, fats and protein are transported to the cells in the liver, where these nutrients are used to make bile, cholesterol, albumin and plasma proteins. Along with contributing to the body's metabolism, the liver also removes toxins from the blood. The entire body is affected when problems with the liver develop, causing it to no longer perform these functions.
Causes
While nonalcoholic fatty liver disease causes weight loss and pain in the upper right abdomen, hepatitis, liver cancer, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, parasitic infection, liver cysts and Wilson's disease are some of the other causes of liver problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, points out that any chronic liver disease destroys liver tissue over time. When this happens, the liver can no longer effectively process nutrients, drugs, hormones and chemical poisons.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase a person's risk of liver disease include obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, unprotected sex and use of shared needles to inject illegal drugs. Some prescription medications, tattoos and body piercing, working in a field that exposes you to other people's body fluids and blood, and high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream are additional risk factors that increase an individual's chances of liver problems.
Diagnosis
Doctors commonly rely on laboratory blood tests to diagnose liver problems. Other diagnostic procedures include ultrasound, computerized tomography, or CAT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. A liver biopsy is another method used to diagnose liver disease, in which case a tissue sample is extracted by using a long needle.
Treatment
The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 100 liver diseases can affect healthy liver function. Consequently, treatment for liver disease depends on the type of liver disease diagnosed. While doctors can treat some liver problems with medications, including antiviral drugs, other conditions require surgery. When liver disease causes liver failure, a person needs a liver transplant.
Prevention
Prevention is the most effective way to protect the health of your liver. Taking medications only as directed is a sensible approach. Drink alcohol in moderation and do not mix alcohol with either prescription or nonprescription drugs. Other practical measures include maintaining a healthy weight and limiting consumption of high fat foods. Avoid risky behaviors, and get the hepatitis B vaccine.
Warning
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms of hepatitis B include abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, to name a few. The American Academy of Family Physicians warns that cirrhosis of the liver is a potential complication of chronic hepatitis. Cirrhosis can eventually lead to liver failure and liver cancer.
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