Liver disorders can be caused by a variety of things, from viral infections to an unhealthy lifestyle. Disrupted liver function can have an impact on the disruption of the function of other body organs. Early detection and appropriate treatment need to be done to prevent the risk of serious complications.
The liver is the largest organ in humans. This organ is located in the upper right part of the abdomen and is protected by the ribs and diaphragm. Liver function is very important for the body, which neutralizes toxins, produces protein, and helps the blood clotting process.
In addition, the liver also acts as an organ that produces bile for the digestive process.
Symptoms of Liver Disorders
Most liver disorders do not cause symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms of liver or liver disorders usually only appear when liver disorders have entered an advanced stage or even when liver conditions have been severely damaged.
There are several symptoms that can appear as a result of liver disorders, including:
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Skin feels itchy and bruises easily
- Tired quickly
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Stomach swelling and pain
- Dizziness and vomiting
- Lost appetite
- Swollen feet and ankles
Call your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, especially if the symptoms do not go away for days. If ignored, liver disorders can get worse and more difficult to treat. According to JJ Medicine Liver Disease Signs & Symptoms (ex. gynecomastia, bruising) | Hepatic Stigmata
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Liver Disorders
Liver disorders can be caused by several factors, namely:
- Hepatitis virus infections, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E . viruses
- Transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses from mothers who suffer from infection with these two viruses to their fetuses
- Genetic disorders
- Cancer
- Accumulation of fat or fatty liver
- Immune system disorders
Liver disorders can also be triggered by disease, the environment, and an unhealthy lifestyle. The following are some things that can increase a person’s risk of suffering from liver disorders:
- Sharing needles for drugs
- Having unprotected sex or changing partners frequently
- Using unsterilized piercing or tattoo needles
- Having direct contact with blood or body fluids of people with hepatitis
- Taking too many drugs
- Have a habit of drinking alcoholic beverages
- Taking supplements or herbal medicines, such as Gotu kola and knicker leaves, in high doses
- Experiencing obesity
- Suffering from type 2 diabetes
Types of Liver Disorders
Various conditions and diseases can cause disturbances in liver function. These types of liver disorders include:
1. Jaundice
In Indonesia, the yellowing of the skin and eyes is known as jaundice. In fact, this condition is actually a symptom of a liver disorder.
This disease is caused by the level of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the bloodstream that exceeds normal limits. Bilirubin levels become high due to cell abnormalities or inflammation of the liver.
2. Cholestasis
Cholestasis occurs when the flow of bile from the liver is reduced or blocked. Bile is produced by the liver to help the digestive process. This blocked bile flow can cause a buildup of bilirubin and trigger jaundice.
3. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a condition where the formation of wounds or scar tissue in the liver is chronic. This condition can cause liver damage that is difficult to treat and lead to liver failure. Drinking alcohol and viral hepatitis infection are the most common causes of cirrhosis.
4. Hepatitis A
This disease is caused by the Hepatitis A virus which can cause inflammation of the liver. The mode of transmission is through feces, water, and food contaminated with the virus. Physical contact with sufferers through sex can also increase the risk of contracting hepatitis A.
5. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus and can be transmitted through blood, body fluids, or open wounds.
Pregnant women who suffer from hepatitis B can also transmit it to the fetus in the womb. Liver infected with hepatitis B virus will experience injury, liver failure, and even cancer if not treated immediately.
6. Hepatitis C
This type of hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis C virus which can cause the liver to swell. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
7. Fatty liver ( fatty liver )
As the name implies, the characteristics of fatty liver disease are characterized by too much fat stored in the liver. As a result, the liver becomes inflamed which can develop into permanent scar tissue.
In chronic conditions, the liver is at risk of developing cirrhosis and leading to liver failure. Fatty liver can be triggered by alcohol consumption ( alcoholic fatty liver ) or other causes ( non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), such as diabetes and obesity.
8. Liver cancer
Liver cancer occurs when liver cells mutate so that they grow uncontrollably. In some cases, chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver cancer.
In addition to some of the causes mentioned above, liver disorders can also be caused by bacterial infections, toxins or toxins, and genetic disorders.
Treatment of Liver Disorders
Treatment of liver disorders depends on the type of disease. Some liver disorders or liver diseases can be overcome by changing your lifestyle, such as stopping consuming alcoholic beverages, losing weight, and adopting clean and healthy living habits.
Consumption of antiviral drugs is necessary if the liver disorder is caused by a viral infection. However, if you already have cirrhosis, the damaged liver cannot be healed. Treatment efforts can still be done by monitoring the course of the disease and reducing the risk of complications.
Treatment for patients with chronic liver failure is done by surgery to save the part of the liver that is still functioning. If this is not possible, a liver transplant is needed to save the patient’s life.
Liver disorders can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids of people with hepatitis. Also, make sure you and your family get hepatitis vaccination as an effective step to prevent this disease.