The liver is the largest organ in our body and sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. It performs many important functions involved in digesting foods and ridding your body of toxic substances such as:
producing bile to help break down food in the gut
breaking down harmful substances such as alcohol from the body
storing nutrients and vitamins
regulating the levels of many hormones and substances in the body such as cholesterol
fighting infections and disease
making the chemicals that allow your blood to clot when you're bleeding.
Image credit: 123rf
There are many different types of liver diseases or disorders, caused by a variety of factors. The following are examples of the common causes of liver disease:
Causes
Type of liver disease
Infection
Viruses and parasites can infect the liver, causing inflammation and reduced liver function.
Viruses can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected.
Most people who consume alcohol do not suffer damage to the liver, but years of alcohol misuse can increase the chance of getting alcohol-related liver disease.
The amount of alcohol that causes liver damage differs from person to person.
Research has shown that on average, consuming more than 2 drinks per day in women and 3 drinks per day in men is more likely to have harmful effects on the liver.
Diseases in which your immune system attacks certain parts of your body (autoimmune) can affect your liver.
Autoimmune hepatitis
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
The common symptoms of liver disease include:
skin and eyes appear yellow (jaundice)
abdominal pain and swelling of the abdomen (tummy area) or legs
itchy skin
dark coloured urine and pale coloured poo (stools)
weakness, feeling tired, weight loss
tendency to bruise easily.
When to see a healthcare provider
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have any ongoing signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate medical attention if you have abdominal pain that is so severe that you can't stay still.
Not all types of liver disease can be prevented, eg, those due to genetic causes or immune system abnormalities. But some types of liver disease, especially those related to lifestyle choices, can be prevented.
Alcohol moderation
Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol is an important first step in looking after your liver. Both men and women can get liver damage from excessive alcohol. Current recommendations are for no more than 2 standard drinks/day for women and 3 for men, with at least 2 alcohol-free days each week.
If you drink a lot of alcohol regularly or you develop shakiness (or even seizures) when you cut back or go without alcohol, talk to your doctor about how to safely cut down on your alcohol. If your body is addicted to alcohol, stopping suddenly can make you very sick or even kill you. Speak honestly with your doctor or nurse about your drinking.
Video: The stages of alcohol-related liver disease
This video is about liver disease and alcohol.
(Canadian Liver Foundation, 2022)
Weight reduction
Approximately 75% of obese people have a fatty liver. If you are overweight or obese, gradual weight loss and increasing exercise can reduce your risk of developing a fatty liver. Avoid rapid weight loss of more than 1 kilogram per week, as this can make liver disease worse.
Quit smoking
Cigarette smoking may worsen some liver diseases and may increase your risk of developing liver cancer. Smoking impairs the liver’s ability to process medications, alcohol and other toxins and remove them from the body.
Get vaccinated
If you're at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you've already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
Practice safe sex
It’s not just HIV and other sexually transmitted infections you need to worry about with unsafe sex. Hepatitis B and C can both be contracted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. The risk is increased during menstruation and with multiple sex partners.
Avoid risky behaviour
Intravenous drug use is a common way of contracting Hepatitis B and C, especially if needle sharing in involved. Sharing personal items like a toothbrush or razor blade with others can also transmit Hepatitis B and C.
Use medicines wisely
Talk to your doctor or nurse prescriber before mixing prescription medicines and herbal or dietary supplements. Only take prescribed or recommended doses and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need to avoid alcohol while taking any of your medicines.
