Types of Liver Damage

The liver is a vital organ that conducts hundreds of functions including metabolism, energy storage, and detoxification. It aids in the digestion of food, the conversion of food into energy, and the storage of energy until needed. It also aids in the removal of toxins from your bloodstream.

The term "liver disease" refers to any ailment that affects your liver. These different liver diseases can arise for a variety of causes, but they all have the potential to harm your liver and impair its daily function.

Types of liver damage

Let’s look at a few main liver diseases.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a liver ailment caused by a viral infection. It causes inflammation and damage to your liver, making it harder for it to operate properly. Hepatitis is contagious in all forms, but you can lower your risk by getting vaccinated against types A and B or taking other preventive measures, such as practicing safe sex and not sharing needles. There are 5 types of Hepatitis

  1. Hepatitis A is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms may go away without therapy, although it may take a few weeks to recover.
  2. Hepatitis B is either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It is transmitted through body fluids like blood and semen. Hepatitis B is treated, but there is no cure. Early treatment is critical for avoiding issues, so it's important to have regular checkups if you’re at risk.
  3. Hepatitis C can be both acute or chronic. Contact with blood from someone who has hepatitis C is a common way for it to spread. While it may not create symptoms in the early stages, it might eventually lead to chronic liver damage.
  4. Hepatitis D is dangerous hepatitis that can only be obtained by persons who already have hepatitis B. It cannot be contracted on its own. It can also be acute or chronic in nature.
  5. Drinking polluted water is the most common cause of hepatitis E. It usually clears up on its own after a few weeks with no long-term consequences.
types-of-liver-damage

Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is caused by fat accumulation in the liver.

Fatty liver disease is categorized into two types:

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, whereas nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by other factors. Experts are still attempting to understand.

Both types of fatty liver disease can damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. Diet and other lifestyle modifications can help to alleviate symptoms and lower the chance of problems.

Autoimmune conditions.

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body.

Several autoimmune diseases cause your immune system to damage your cells and liver, such as:

  1. Autoimmune Hepatitis. This illness produces inflammation in your liver when your immune system attacks it. It can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.
  2. Primary Biliary cirrhosis. Damage to the bile ducts in your liver causes an accumulation of bile, resulting in this condition. Cirrhosis and liver failure can develop as a result of PBC.

Genetic conditions.

Your liver can also be affected by several hereditary disorders that you inherit from one of your parents:

  1. Hemochromatosis is a condition in which your body stores more iron than it requires. Your organs, including your liver, retain this iron. If not addressed properly, this might cause long-term damage.
  2. Wilson's disease causes the liver to absorb copper rather than releasing it through the bile ducts. Your liver may eventually become too damaged to hold any more copper, allowing it to travel through your bloodstream and harm other organs, including your brain.

Cancer

Liver Cancer begins in the liver. Secondary liver cancer occurs when cancer begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the liver.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of liver cancer. It usually manifests as a series of tiny tumors in your liver, although it can also begin as a single tumor.

Other liver illnesses, particularly those that go untreated, may contribute to the development of liver cancer.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver caused by illnesses and other sources of liver injury, such as alcoholism. Cystic fibrosis and syphilis can both cause liver damage and, in the worst-case scenario, cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is generally curable in its early stages by addressing the underlying cause. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more difficulties and even death.

Liver failure

Chronic liver failure occurs when a large portion of your liver is damaged and unable to function normally. Liver failure caused by liver disease and cirrhosis usually occurs gradually. It's possible that you won't experience any symptoms at first. However, over time, you may begin to notice: Jaundice, Diarrhea, fatigue or weakness, and nausea.

It's a serious condition that needs to be managed on a regular basis.

Acute liver failure, on the other hand, occurs unexpectedly, frequently as a result of an overdose or poisoning.

ACUTE-LIVER FAILURE

Acute liver failure is defined as the loss of liver function that happens suddenly — within days or weeks — in a person who does not have any prior liver disease. A hepatitis virus or drugs like acetaminophen are the most prevalent causes. Acute liver failure is rarer than chronic liver failure, which takes longer to develop.

Acute liver failure, sometimes called fulminant hepatic failure, can lead to significant complications such as excessive bleeding and increased head pressure. It's a medical emergency that necessitates admission to the hospital.

Acute liver failure can occasionally be treated and reversed, depending on the causes. However, in many cases, a liver transplant may be the only option.

Acute liver failure is a life-threatening condition that can occur abruptly in otherwise healthy people. Seek medical help right away if you or someone you know suffers sudden yellowing of the eyes or skin, soreness in the upper abdomen, or other unexpected changes in mental state, personality, or behavior.

CHRONIC LIVER FAILURE

Acute liver failure develops more slowly than chronic liver failure. You may not experience any symptoms for months or even years. Cirrhosis, which is usually induced by long-term alcohol use, is a common cause of chronic liver failure. When good liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, cirrhosis develops.

Your liver gets inflamed as a result of chronic liver failure. Over time, this inflammation leads to the creation of scar tissue. Your liver begins to deteriorate as your body replaces healthy tissue with scar tissue.

Cirrhosis or Alcohol-related Liver Disease (ALRD) are the most common causes of chronic liver failure. According to the American Liver Foundation, the most frequent cause of cirrhosis is alcoholism.