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Liver Disorders, Causes, Types, and Methods for Overcoming them

Liver disorders can significantly affect a person's general health condition. Viral infections, genetic factors, side effects of drugs, and unhealthy lifestyles, are factors that can cause liver disorders. The liver is the largest organ that humans have. This organ is located in the abdominal cavity, in the upper right part of the stomach, and is protected by the rib cage and diaphragm. The liver plays a role in neutralizing toxins, protein synthesis, and blood clotting. The liver also acts as an organ that produces bile for digestion.

Symptoms of Liver Disorders

Most liver disorders do not cause symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms often appear when liver disorders have entered an advanced stage, or even when the condition of the liver has been severely damaged. Yellowing of the skin and eyes is the most common sign of a liver disorder. Other symptoms that can occur in liver disorders include skin itching, bruising, fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, swollen abdomen, and pain. Immediately contact a doctor if you experience these symptoms, especially if the symptoms do not disappear for days. If ignored, liver disorders can become worse.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Liver Disorders

Liver disorders are caused by many factors, including the following:
  • Viral hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis A, B and C. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted through food and drink contaminated with hepatitis virus. Whereas hepatitis B and C are transmitted through semen, blood, contact with patients with hepatitis B and C.
  • Genetic disorders.
  • Cancer.
  • Fat accumulation.
  • Immune system disorders.
Liver disorders are also triggered by diseases, the environment, and unhealthy lifestyles. The risk of someone suffering from liver disorders becomes higher if:
  • Use syringes for drugs alternately.
  • Using unsterile needles or tattoo needles.
  • Having unprotected sex or changing partners frequently.
  • Contact with blood or body fluids for hepatitis sufferers.
  • Over-consuming drugs.
  • Take supplements or herbal medicines, such as gotu kola and kenikir leaves, in high doses.
  • Have the habit of drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Long-term chemical exposure.
  • Being obese.
  • Suffering from diabetes.

Types of liver disorders

Various conditions and diseases can interfere with liver function. The types of liver disorders include:

  • Jaundice

    • In Indonesia, the condition of yellowing skin and eyes is known as jaundice. Though this condition is actually a symptom of a liver disorder that is marked by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. This is caused by levels of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the bloodstream that exceeds the normal range. Bilirubin levels become high due to cell abnormalities or inflammation in the liver.

  • Cholestasis

    • Cholestasis is a condition in which bile is blocked. Bile is produced by the liver to help the digestive process. This obstructed bile flow causes a buildup of bilirubin.

  • Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis is a chronic condition of the formation of wounds or scar tissue in the liver. Damage to the liver that has cirrhosis cannot be repaired. This condition can cause liver failure. The habit of drinking alcoholic beverages, hepatitis B and C virus infections are the most common causes of cirrhosis.

  • Hepatitis A

    • This disease is caused by the Hepatitis A virus. This virus causes inflammation of the liver. The method of transmission is through feces, water and contaminated food. Physical contact with sufferers through sex can also increase the risk of contracting hepatitis A.

  • Hepatitis B

    • Hepatitis B is a liver infection. This disease is caused by the Hepatitis B virus that is transmitted through blood, bodily fluids, or open wounds. Pregnant women who suffer from hepatitis B can also transmit it to the fetus in the womb. Infected liver will experience injury, liver failure, and even cancer if not treated immediately.

  • Hepatitis C

    • Hepatitis C virus can be transmitted through blood. Hepatitis C makes the liver swell. The chronic condition of this viral infection causes the liver to experience cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

  • Fatty liver or fatty liver

    • As the name implies, the characteristics of this disease are characterized by too much fat stored in the liver. As a result, the liver experiences inflammation that can develop into permanent scarring. In chronic conditions, the liver is at risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure. Fatty liver can be triggered by consumption of alcoholic beverages (alcoholic fatty liver), also by other causes (non-alcohoic fatty liver disease / NAFLD), such as diabetes and obesity.

  • Heart cancer

    • Liver cancer occurs when liver cells mutate so that they grow out of control. In some cases, chronic infections due to hepatitis B and C viruses cause liver cancer.
Apart from those mentioned above, some diseases caused by bacteria, toxins, and genetic disorders can also cause liver disorders.

Treatment for Liver Disorders

Treatment of liver disorders depends on the type of disease. Some liver disorders can be overcome by changing lifestyles, such as stopping consuming alcoholic beverages, losing weight, and adopting clean and healthy living habits. Consumption of antiviral drugs is needed if liver disorders are caused by a viral infection. But if you already have cirrhosis, a damaged liver cannot be healed. Treatment efforts can still be done by monitoring the course of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment for patients with chronic liver failure is carried out by surgery to save parts of the liver that are still functioning. If it turns out this effort 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 hepatitis sufferers. Also make sure you and your family get hepatitis vaccination as an effective step to prevent this disease. If you experience signs and symptoms related to liver disorders, you need to consult a doctor to get a complete examination and further treatment.

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