If you’re wondering what liver disease is, you’re not alone. Liver disease is a broad term used to describe a variety of diseases that cause liver problems. That’s why when you hear about conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, or metabolically dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which used to be called fatty liver disease, they all fall under the category of liver disease.
Most liver diseases can be controlled, especially if they are detected early. Knowing the symptoms and causes of liver disease can help you determine when it is time to see a doctor.
Read on to learn about the signs of liver disease, what the four stages are, and what treatment options are available. We’ll also give you tips on what you can do to help prevent liver disease.
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and plays an essential role in health. In addition to filtering toxins from the blood, it produces bile, which helps with digestion, blood clotting, and metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates. It does all this and much more from its location in the upper right part of the abdomen, protected by the lower ribs.
Difference between acute and chronic liver disease
Acute liver disease can appear suddenly and progress rapidly: the liver may lose its ability to function within days or weeks. It usually affects people who do not have liver disease or certain types of liver disease.
Chronic liver disease is more common and develops gradually. In its early stages, chronic liver disease may be asymptomatic. However, the earlier it is detected, the better you can manage it. If you suspect something, it’s a good idea to check with your primary care physician.
Signs and symptoms of liver disease
Liver disease manifests itself in a variety of ways, including external and internal symptoms that can be seen and felt.
Liver disease affects men and women differently
According to the National Institutes of Health, men and women experience liver disease differently. Women seem to have more favorable outcomes for early-stage liver disease than men, but the situation is reversed for late-stage liver disease: Men tend to be hospitalized less and experience fewer complications when treated for late-stage liver disease. Doctors don’t know exactly why this happens. Possible reasons include hormones that work differently in the body, different responses to injury at the genetic level, and differences in the immune system.
Visible symptoms of liver disease
Liver disease affects the way you look and feel. When your liver isn’t working properly, your body sends out distinctive signals.
Jaundice and yellowing of the skin.
The most well-known symptom of liver disease is jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes, and the inside of the nose and mouth.
Rashes and itching
Skin rashes and itching are symptoms of liver disease and can be localized or affect the entire body. Itching and rashes can be early signs that the liver is not functioning properly and can continue throughout chronic liver disease. Itching can also be a sign of specific types of liver disease.
Dark urine color
A poorly functioning liver can cause urine to change color for the same reason that skin can turn yellow. When the liver is unable to properly filter out dead red blood cells, the pigment produced by the red blood cells can reach the kidneys and cause urine to darken.
Pale stools
Liver disease causes the color of stool to be different. Again, when the liver is not functioning properly, bile produced in the liver and released by the gallbladder can cause this discoloration.
What does liver disease feel like?
In addition to the visible symptoms, liver disease causes symptoms that can make you feel tired. There are many factors related to liver disease that can make a person feel tired. This can be due to different types of liver disease where tiredness is characteristic of that disease. It can also be due to poor liver function or a lack of nutrition.
People with liver disease or even cirrhosis usually do not feel pain because the liver has no pain nerves reaching it.
The progression of liver disease
There are different features that can be expected as liver disease progresses in the body to cirrhosis:
- Inflammation – Different types of liver diseases cause inflammation of liver cells, which can be reflected in laboratory tests.
- Cicatrization – Inflammation over time causes the liver to build up scar tissue that can block or limit blood flow within the liver.
- Cirrhosis – This occurs when scarring reaches its final stage and is difficult to reverse, but liver function remains normal or nearly normal.
- End-stage cirrhosis – When liver function is declining.
Causes of liver disease
A variety of factors can contribute to liver disease:
- Virus – Hepatitis is a type of virus that affects the liver. Depending on the type, it can cause acute or chronic liver disease.
- Genetics – Some types of liver disease are genetic and can be passed down in families.
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver.
- Lifestyle – A diet high in processed fats and/or sugars, lack of activity, excess weight, diabetes, cholesterol problems or obstructive sleep apnea can cause MASLD.
- Autoimmune hepatitis – This autoimmune disease attacks the liver.
Treatment for liver disease may involve medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
There are many ways to treat and even prevent liver disease. In some cases, the liver can heal itself, as it is the second most regenerative organ in the body. Dietary changes and increased activity levels are also effective.
Medications that help treat liver disease.
Depending on the type and stage of liver disease, there are medications that may be effective in slowing the progression or reversing liver damage. Some of these include:
- Antiviral drugs – If hepatitis is causing liver disease, antiviral medications may slow progression and prevent liver damage, depending on the type and stage of hepatitis.
- Immunomodulators – Autoimmune liver diseases can be controlled with immunomodulators. These are similar to immunosuppressants, but do not suppress the immune system to the same degree.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid – This is a medicine for cholestatic liver diseases and helps with bile function in the liver.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and other medications – This is a treatment for liver injury associated with Tylenol overdose.
Surgery for liver disease
For people with cirrhosis who have compromised liver function, your doctor will help you determine if a liver transplant makes sense to consider.
Diet
Foods that are good for the liver are also good for the rest of the body. The Mediterranean diet and other anti-inflammatory foods have been shown to be beneficial for liver health, including:
- Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and grapefruit.
- Green vegetables
- Green tea
- Coffee
- Spinach
- Salmon
- Balls
- Turmeric
- Whole grains
- Unsaturated fats
Foods and drinks that are not conducive to liver health include highly processed meats, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Consume these in moderation or not at all.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent liver disease
It’s always a good idea to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Your liver will thank you, and so will the rest of your body. Cut back or eliminate alcohol consumption, stop smoking, and remove highly processed foods from your diet. Be more active, even if it’s just adding more steps to your day – small changes will make a difference.
When to see a doctor
Depending on the cause, the liver can repair itself and even regenerate if liver disease is detected in the early stages and appropriate treatment is provided. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this blog, especially yellowing of the skin or changes in the color of your urine or stool, make an appointment with your primary care physician. He or she can monitor your symptoms, order lab tests, and refer you to a gastroenterologist if necessary.
