Liver is a large reddish brown colored body organ. It is responsible for performing various functions to keep body safe from harmful materials and toxins. Any disorder may lead to reduced functioning of liver and may damage it completely over a specific period. Liver diseases have become one of the dominant reason for millions of death worldwide. Prevalence of liver diseases is more in alcoholic and obese population. Top healthcare reports predict that nearly 72,240 people will die from some type of liver disorder this year. Some of the liver diseases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Why is Liver Disease Silent Killer?
In most instances, liver disease does not show any significant symptoms during initial stages. Fatty liver disease is a most commonly observed liver condition these days. It accounts for 59% of mortality rate due to liver diseases. Earlier, medical professionals used to believe that it only affects alcoholic people. But the truth is that it can affect non-alcoholic people as well. Obese and diabetic patients are at a greater risk of getting this disease. A fatty liver disease may slowly progress over years and deteriorate the underlying health condition. It may cause severe scarring and ultimately result in liver failure. Therefore, liver disease is entitled as a ‘silent killer’.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease
The following signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of a liver disease.
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Sleepiness
- Yellowish skin and eye color (jaundice)
- Swelling in ankles
- Chronic fatigue
- Tendency to bruise easily
- Dark urine
- Pale stool color or tar-colored stool
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Patients experiencing these liver disease symptoms should seek a prompt medical treatment. Early treatment can help cure the disease completely.
Major Causes of Liver Failure
The enumerated list depicts some serious causes of liver failure.
- Excess liver fat (fatty liver disease)
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Hepatitis B virus
- Hepatitis C virus
- Liver cirrhosis
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Hemochromatosis
However, causes of acute liver failure are different and may include the following.
- Adverse reactions to some medicines and herbal supplements
- Intake of poisonous mushrooms
- Overdose of acetaminophen
Treatment Options for Liver Disease
Liver disease treatment depends on overall medical status and diagnosis report of patients. Most common liver disease treatment options are described as follows.
- Medications - Diabetes is a major problem which contributes to liver damage. Surgeons may prescribe essential medications for controlling diabetes and liver disorders.
- Lifestyle Changes - Few lifestyle changes like cutting down the quantity of alcohol or completely discontinuing alcohol intake can help relieve liver problems. Overweight patients should try to maintain a balanced diet and do exercises. These simple yet powerful changes will surely aid to maintain good health.
- Liver Transplant Surgery - If patients have reached an end-stage then surgeons may recommend liver transplant surgery to treat liver failure.
Liver disease treatments are usually costly in western nations like United Kingdom and Australia. International patients seeking effective liver disease treatments can heavily rely on staunch medical system of India. Cost of liver disease treatments in India is just a fraction of money which other developed countries may charge. Global patients can avail beneficial liver disease treatments at highly reasonable rates in majority of Indian hospitals.
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