The liver is one of the most important organs in humans and it is responsible for a lot of activities that ensure the human stays healthy. Some of the important functions of the liver include the elimination of poisons and the conversion of food into energy. This is why people suffer a lot if the liver is not functioning well.
Several factors can contribute to the development of liver problems, some of which can be controlled while others cannot. Knowing some of these causes might assist you in preventing a possible liver problem in the near future.
What Are The Causes Of Liver Problems?
Some of the causes of issues with the liver include the following:
Infections. Certain diseases can cause the inflammation of the liver and viral hepatitis is the most prevalent disease that causes this condition. There are three types of hepatitis and they all can cause an inflammation of the liver. These types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C.
Hepatitis A. This is gotten through the consumption of food or drinks that is contaminated with feces. People with this type of hepatitis hardly show any symptoms and they usually recover from the disease within 6 months.
Hepatitis B. People contract it through unprotected coitus and taking drugs with a contaminated needle. It can also spread through contact with the blood and open sore of an infected person. Hepatitis B can become chronic if it persists for more than 6 months.
Hepatitis C. People get this when infected blood gets into contact with their blood. Other modes of transmission include taking medication with a contaminated needle. Health workers are also at risk of getting hepatitis c because they can easily get pricked by an infected needle. People with this type of hepatitis may experience no symptoms for a lot of years.
The Other Causes Of Liver Problems
Immune System Problems. Your immune system is what safeguards you from diseases, however, they can be destructive if they turn on you. In such cases, they tend to attack body parts like the liver.
There are different types of immune system problems that affect the liver and they are as follows:
Autoimmune Hepatitis. This causes an inflammation of your liver which may even result in liver failure or other disorders. Females tend to develop this condition more than males.
Primary biliary cholangitis. This type of immune system problem attacks the tiny ducts known as the bile duct that conveys the bile, a chemical that enables you to digest food. Once this occurs, the bile begins to accumulate in the liver and scars it. Primary biliary cholangitis also affects more women than men.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis. It scars your bile and can end up blocking them. This leads to the accumulation of bile in your liver making it difficult to function well.
This particular type of immune system problem can result in the development of cancer and it affects more men than women.
Cancer and tumors. Cancers usually do not begin in your liver. In most cases, they spread from other parts of your body such as your lungs, colon, breasts, etc. Nonetheless, a few cancers might start in the liver.
Some of the cancers that affect the liver include:
Liver cell adenoma. This is a tumor that contains no cancer cells. It is quite rare, nonetheless, women who take emergency contraception pills for a long period have a higher chance of developing this condition than those who don’ t take them. There is also a small likelihood the tumor could ultimately become cancer.
Liver cancer. It is more prevalent in women and also affects more blacks than whites.
Bile duct cancer. This attacks the tubes that convey bile from your liver to your small intestine. Bile duct cancer mostly affects people aged 50 years and above, however, it is very rare.
What Are The Symptoms of Liver Problems?
People with liver problems usually do not experience noticeable signs and symptoms. But if they do experience signs and symptoms, they may include skin and eyes that appear yellowish; abdominal pain and swelling; itchy skin; swelling in the legs and ankles.
Other symptoms of the disease may include dark urine color, pale stool color, and chronic fatigue.
How To Prevent Liver Problems
Although some of the causes of liver problems or damage can’ t be prevented, others that are caused by lifestyle choices can be avoided to keep your liver healthy. A lot of the preventive measures of liver problems involve dietary preferences and physical activity.
According to the American Liver Foundation, you can help prevent liver disease by eating a nutritious diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
You can also increase physical activity and limit alcohol intake to prevent liver problems.
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