Liver is a very critical organ of our body. Liver disorders can also be caused by several factors that damage the liver. For example, alcohol use and obesity. With the passage of time, the conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis). This can lead to liver failure which is a life-threatening condition. But early diagnosis of liver disease by Liver function test LFT can lead to effective treatment.
What Is Chronic Liver Disease?
Chronic Liver Disease or Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue and the liver is permanently damaged. Scar tissue keeps your liver from working properly.
Causes Of Chronic Liver Disease
The most common causes of cirrhosis are:
- Hepatitis and other viruses
- Alcohol abuse
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (this happens from conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure)
Other less common causes of cirrhosis may include:
- Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s infection-fighting system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue
- Blocked or damaged tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the intestine
- Use of certain medicines
- Exposure to certain toxic chemicals
- Repeated episodes of heart failure with blood buildup in the liver
- Parasite infections
Symptoms Of Chronic Liver Disease
Your symptoms may vary, depending on how severe your cirrhosis is. Mild cirrhosis may not cause any symptoms at all.
Symptoms may include:
- Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)
- Vomiting blood, often from bleeding in the blood vessels in the food pipe (esophagus)
- Gallstones
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Kidney failure
- Loss of appetite
- Spider-like veins in the skin
- Low energy and weakness (fatigue)
What Are The Complications Of Chronic Liver Disease?
There are many complications of Chronic Liver Disease such as the following: -
Portal hypertension - This is an increase in the pressure in your portal vein which the large blood vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
Hypersplenism - overactive and enlarged spleen, which causes quick and premature destruction of blood cells.
Infections - Chronic liver disease increases your risk of fighting serious infections, for example, bacterial peritonitis.
Malnutrition: Your liver processes nutrients. A damaged liver makes this more complicated and leads to weight loss and weakness.
Chronic Liver Disease Treatment
Treatment for chronic liver disease depends on what’s causing it and how much damage exists. There is no cure for cirrhosis but treatments can delay or stop its progress. If you have developed cirrhosis from alcohol abuse, you must stop drinking alcohol. You must ask your healthcare provider for recommendations for alcohol addiction treatment programs.
The treatment or management of some of the liver disease includes losing weight by following a healthy diet. Also, by getting involved in regular physical exercise and following your provider’s instructions for managing your diabetes.
For Inherited liver diseases, treatment depends on the specific inherited disease which are aimed at treating symptoms and managing complications.
Chronic Liver Disease Diet
Chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis can impair your immune function, therefore, it is always best to avoid raw or undercooked meat, else, you run a higher risk of illness or infection. Your doctor may also advise you to limit your intake of sodium to prevent ascites. Eating several small protein- and carb-rich meals and snacks throughout the day may also be beneficial. Certain vitamins or minerals may also help manage your condition.
If you have symptoms of chronic liver disease, you must reach out to the Best Diagnostic centres in Hyderabad for diagnosis.
