Liver disease is a broad term that describes health conditions that damage theliver.
When a person develops liver disease, the organ becomes damaged and cant work properly.
This article provides an overview of common types of liver disease and available treatment options.
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If it’s left untreated, liver disease can cause serious complications that may be life-threatening.
Experts have identified more than 100 different types of liver disease.
Hepatitis
Hepatitisis liver inflammation that can either be due to a virus or by other factors.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditionshappen when theimmune systemthe bodys protection against harmful infectionsmistakenly attacks itself.
When a person has an autoimmune liver condition, the liver cells are specifically attacked and damaged.
Blood testing and genetic testing can help determine a diagnosis.
Drug-Induced Liver Disease
Drug-induced liver diseaseis liver damage brought on by an overexposure to certain drugs.
This damage can usually be successfully reversed and treated after stopping the drug.
Its best to check with a healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosisis severe scarring of the liver that happens after long-term damage.
Because this scarring blocks blood flow to the liver, the organ isnt able to function properly.
Liver Failure
Duringliver failure, the organ starts to shut down due to severe damage or inflammation.
This can progress slowly over time or occur suddenly.
Liver Disease Symptoms
Liver disease doesnt always come with noticeable symptoms.
Diagnosis
Because symptoms arent always immediately noticeable, liver disease is often diagnosed in later stages.
There are even vaccinations available for certain ones, like hepatitis A and B.
If you notice signs of a liver disease, contact a healthcare provider for an examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatitis is the most common form of liver disease.
As the last stage of liver disease, liver failure can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
It depends on the key in of liver disease.
Diseases like cirrhosis, for example, cannot be cured.
But many cases of liver disease can be successfully managed with lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgery.
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