Liver Disease Dangers & Side Effects

Liver, one of the largest organs of the human body, processes toxins and alcohol while squandering waste from the blood. It stores nutrients like sugar, vitamin and fats. According to the American Liver Foundation (ALF), about one in every ten Americans suffers from liver ailments. ALF believes that timely detection of liver disease may prevent them. According to the founders of ALF, preventative screenings, education and vaccinations may secure thousands of people from this life threatening disease.

Defining Liver Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit organization devoted to treating and diagnosing severe ailments, there are several types of liver problems affecting the health of millions of Americans every year.

Among several types of liver diseases, following are the most common liver diseases:

• Cirrhosis
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Hepatitis
• Alcohol induced liver diseases

Hepatitis is one of the most common types of liver disease. It occurs due to inflamed liver and is related to the spread of viruses, however, it can also be developed due to the toxins entering the body.

Cirrhosis of liver is very dangerous and life threatening form of liver disease. It is also known as chronic liver disease. It is caused due to the fibrous tissue that develops in the liver. It replaces the dead cells of liver that dies due to exposure to toxic chemicals, viral hepatitis or alcohol. Cirrhosis of liver may cause scarring of liver.

Alcohol-induced liver disease occurs in patients consuming excessive alcohol. It is found in the individuals who suffer from disorders known as alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Researchers at the ALF claim that alcohol abuse is the primary cause for morality and morbidity across the world. In the United States, approximately 3 of women and 10 percent of men suffers from problems associated to alcohol consumption including liver ailments.

NAFLD, also known as “fatty liver disease” is caused due to several issues like high cholesterol, obesity, high triglyceride levels and diabetes. However, NAFLD worsens rapidly but it is difficult to detect it at an early stage. According to the researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Medical Center, few signs and symptoms of liver disease are common including the following:

• Vomiting
• Generalized itching
• Varicose veins
• Fatigue
• Susceptibility to bleeding
• Low-grade fever
• Enlarged spleen
• Muscle pain and aches
• Hypoglycemia
• Loss of sex drive
• Depression
• Edema
• Light colored stools and diarrhea
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Jaundice
• Darkened urine
• Aplastic anemia
• Vague feeling of illness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Changes in level of consciousness or mental state
• Encephalopathy
• Pain in upper right side of the stomach
• Ascites
• Tender and enlarged liver

An individual suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms should immediately seek the advice of a doctor.

Development of Liver Disease

Although, several factors are responsible for the development of Liver diseases but many researchers believe that causes of NAFLD are still unclear. According to the UIC Medical Center, following are the possible causes of liver diseases:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Abnormalities at birth or congenital birth defects
• Injury or trauma
• Metabolic disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Consumption of excessive alcohol may lead to alcohol associated liver disease

Another factor that may lead to liver disease is the use Ketek. According to FDA, there is a strong link between the liver damage and the use of Ketek, a drug manufactured by Sanofi Aventis. Ketek is used for the treatment of bacterial lung infection like the following:

• Acute worsening of chronic bronchitis
• Mild- to moderate-pneumonia
• Acute bacterial sinusitis

FDA conducted a research based on which it announced to increase the warning on Ketek. According to the report:

• According to the review, 12 patients taking Ketek suffered from acute liver failure
• Of these 12 patients four were incurable and fifth needed liver transplant
• Additionally, there were 23 cases of chronic liver failure
• Some patients developed liver diseases after consuming brief doses of Ketek

Treating Liver Disease

Treatment of liver disease depends upon the type and case of the disease. However, according to the UIC, following are advised to the patients suffering from liver disease:

• Avoiding unnecessary medications
• Consuming balanced diet approved for liver disease patients
• Bed rest
• Avoid dehydration by increasing liquid in your diet
• Avoiding alcohol

Individuals at an advanced stage of liver disease have to undergo a liver transplant or surgery. Other treatments include removing a pint of blood once or twice a month for months.  Many times, children suffering from the liver disease have to undergo a surgery, known as Kasai Surgery. In this type of surgery bile ducts of the patients are replaced by the parts of intestine.