Liver Disease : Types Of Liver Problems & Their Causes
To take proactive steps towards liver health, it is essential to understand the types of liver diseases and their causes. Liver is important organ of our human body. In various metabolic processes, detoxification, and the production of essential proteins, liver plays an important role. By avoiding harmful habits, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical guidance whenever it is needed, we can nurture our most important organ. Here, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy will guide us various types of liver problems and explain their causes.
COMMON TYPES OF LIVER DISEASE (LIVER PROBLEMS)
- Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH) : Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver cells. It is the most common liver disease, which is associated with excess weight, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) marked by inflammation and potential liver damage. NAFLD is usually asymptomatic, but some people with NASH may experience symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice.
- Hepatitis : Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a virus and bacteria. There are various types of Hepatitis, including:
- Hepatitis A : Spread through contact with contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B : Spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids.
- Hepatitis C : Primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.
- Hepatitis D and E : Less common types with specific modes of transmission.
- Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a very serious condition in which liver becomes scarred. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and NAFLD.
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Liver cancer is a rare cancer that can develop in people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. Consumption of Excessive amount of alcohol and viral hepatitis are major factors of Liver cancer.
- Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage.
- Genetic and Metabolic Liver Diseases: Disorders like hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are caused by genetic mutations that affect the liver’s ability to process certain substances, leading to accumulation and damage.
UNDERLYING CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASE
- Viral Infections : Hepatitis viruses’ i.e A, B, C, D, and E are significant culprits in liver diseases. They can lead to chronic infections, inflammation, and long-term damage.
- Alcohol Consumption : Consuming excess amount of alcohol is major factor that damages liver.
- Obesity and Fatty Food : Eating habits such as sugary and fatty foods increases the risk of liver problem. Unexplained weight increase is the most common risk factor for liver disease or NAFLD.
- Certain medications : Use of some unnecessary medications such as steroids and non prescribed cancer drugs, can harm the liver. Over time, these insults can result in liver damage.
- Autoimmune Reactions: Autoimmune liver diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and damages liver cells, leading to inflammation and potential scarring.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic mutations can cause inherited liver disorders like hemochromatosis (excess iron), Wilson’s disease (copper buildup), and others.
- Chronic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease can indirectly contribute to liver problems by affecting blood flow, metabolism, and overall liver function.
Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent liver from becoming more severe liver conditions, for that we need to understand different types of liver problems and their causes. To maintain liver healthy, doing exercise, regular checkups, healthy diet, lifestyle changes, vaccination against hepatitis health is essential. If you feel any liver-related issues, consult Dr. Srivatsan gurumurthy for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing and treating these conditions. Remember, a healthy liver is vital for overall wellbeing and longevity. Contact on: +91 99625 33472