Liver Diseases

 There are many diseases associated with the liver. This brief article is going to cover some general information about three major and most common diseases that can affect the liver.

First of all, Jaundice. Yellow Jaundice is a diseased state in which bile accumulates in the blood stream and colors all the body tissues yellow. This is first noted in the whites of the eyes, but eventually it covers the entire body and may even be seen in urine and perspiration which may have a yellowish tint. This disease is usually caused by one of these three situations. Firstly, it may be an inherited disease involving the spleen. Secondly, it may be due to gallstones blocking the duct from the liver. Thirdly, it may be caused by a liver infection commonly known as Hepatitis.

Uncovering the exact cause of jaundice may be a very difficult task even for the most learned physicians. Besides requiring an accurate and lengthy history, a detailed examination is necessary along with numerous laboratory tests to confirm or dispel all possibilities. We should realize that only the physician is qualified to recognize the extremely serious symptoms of this disease. Though its cause may be deeply rooted, jaundice is often relieved through good medical treatment. Do not self medicate for this disease as delays in getting treatment may result in worsening of the condition.

The second disease that may harm the liver is Hepatitis. Hepatitis is often caused by a viral attack on the liver in which painful swelling of the organ may be felt on the right side of the body. It has a long course of recovery and full recovery is not guaranteed, although many patients do recover fully. The symptoms of hepatitis has a slow onset and therefore, difficult for early detection. It is usually accompanied by the usual fever, a distinct loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Jaundice also frequently occurs with hepatitis, a disease which demands the very best of medical care.

The third disease that is commonly known to damage the liver is the cirrhosis of the liver. Although it is one of the most common liver diseases, it is also one of the most poorly understood. The liver has a roughened, hobnail appearance which was formerly thought to be the direct result of chronic alcoholism. As its cause still remains a mystery, it may exist undetected for many years.

Occasionally, swelling of the abdomen from an accumulation of watery fluids within may arouse the patient's suspicion that something is wrong. At other times, sudden vomiting of large amounts of blood from a ruptured, enlarged vein within the stomach is the first indication of disease.

In the later stages of cirrhosis, blood cannot circulate easily through the liver and is forced to find and build new channels through which to flow. Large veins can then be seen on the surface of the abdomen and the skin covering the chest wall of these individuals. Cirrhosis usually is diagnosed after it has existed a long time, and is then considered incurable but physicians can usually prolong life comfortably through medication, blood transfusions, diet and other measures.

The liver is one of our most vital organs. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle and diet is important in preventing these life threatening diseases. Continued study of liver functions and diseases are being carried out constantly in many medical research programs in the hope of providing patients with a better quality of life.