There are many diseases that can affect the liver, which is an essential part of the body that has many functions. Here are the most important diseases that affect the liver in the following: The liver is of great importance in the body as it performs many basic functions, and any defect in it harms the whole body and leads to Complications and great risks that may lead to death if not acted upon
Cure it early.
The liver can be exposed to many health problems and diseases that must be paid attention to.
Learn about a group of diseases that affect the liver, and how to prevent them in the following:
Liver diseases
Here is a list of the most important ones
1. Viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis of various types occurs as a result of a viral infection that affects the body and liver.
Viral hepatitis leads to serious complications, such as cirrhosis and liver failure, and can also cause liver cancer.
Symptoms of viral hepatitis
There are many symptoms associated with this type of liver disease, which are
Flu-like symptoms, such as: fever, feeling weak, and bone pain in the body.
A change in the color of the urine and stool, with the urine becoming noticeably darker and the stool looking pale.
Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and weight loss for no apparent reason.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes, and the appearance of signs of fatigue and exhaustion on the injured person, which is known as jaundice.
Ways to prevent viral hepatitis
Vaccination plays an essential role in preventing various viral hepatitis infections and it is recommended to consult a doctor about vaccination, and periodic check-ups should be performed to ensure that you do not have any of these infections.
The causes of viral hepatitis differ according to the way in which it is transmitted, so different types can be prevented through some measures:
1. Prevention of Hepatitis A
It is transmitted through contaminated water or food, as well as through sexual intercourse, and is present in the feces of people with viral infections.
In order to prevent this type of liver disease, hands should be washed, clean food and uncontaminated water should be eaten, and sex should not be practiced if infected with this disease.
2. Hepatitis B
This virus is transmitted through contaminated blood from a person carrying the infection, as well as through the man''s semen, and any contaminated fluids from the body, in addition to blood transfusion tools and syringes contaminated with the virus.
This means that no other person''s tools should be used to avoid transmission of infection to the body.
3. Hepatitis C
This virus is transmitted through blood and its transmission tools if they are contaminated with the virus, as well as through sexual contact.
The means of prevention are the same as ways of preventing hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and through the use of personal tools only and making sure that they are clean and sterile.
4. Hepatitis D
Infection with this virus occurs among people with hepatitis B, and thus there becomes an infection with the two viruses together, which makes the matter worse and poses great risks to the patient’s health.
Therefore, even with viral hepatitis, contaminated tools should not be used by a person infected with the same disease.
5. Hepatitis A
One of the hepatitis viruses that is transmitted through contaminated food and water and often causes liver failure and its prevention is by maintaining hand hygiene and not eating unclean foods or using contaminated food and drink utensils.
2. Hepatomegaly
Hepatomegaly is among the common liver diseases and has many negative effects. Hepatomegaly cannot be considered a disease in itself, but it occurs as a result of liver infection with diseases such as: hepatitis viruses, cirrhosis, and liver tumors.
In addition to a number of diseases that affect other organs in the body, such as: heart disease and blood vessels.
The size of the liver when enlarged varies according to many factors, including age, body size, and gender.
Symptoms of an enlarged liver
When the liver is enlarged, the patient feels a set of symptoms, including
The pain is in the upper right region of the abdomen.
Pain in the muscles of the body.
Weight loss and poor appetite.
Nausea and general fatigue.
Prevention of hepatomegaly
Through some procedures, the body can be prevented from infection with this type of liver disease, which are:
Follow a healthy diet, mainly rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and avoid foods high in fat.
Maintaining a healthy weight, because being overweight is one of the reasons that increase the possibility of an enlarged liver, and weight can be maintained by following a healthy diet and exercising.
Take nutritional supplements carefully, as excessive intake of nutritional supplements and vitamins without consulting a doctor will lead to many problems in the liver, and turn from beneficial elements into harmful ones for the body.
Avoid exposure to chemicals, such as: detergents, etc., as they contain toxic compounds that harm the liver and the body in general.
3. Cirrhosis or cirrhosis of the liver
Another disease that affects the common liver, which is a late case of liver disease, as it occurs as a result of pathological pressure on the liver.
When a problem occurs in the liver, it begins to resist diseases and treat itself, and during this scar tissue is formed, which impedes the normal functioning of the liver.
It is difficult to treat liver cirrhosis because, as we mentioned, it is the last stage after suffering many health problems, but if cirrhosis is discovered early, complications can be reduced.
One of the main problems that can cause cirrhosis is viral hepatitis and fat accumulation in the liver.
Symptoms of cirrhosis
Symptoms of this type of liver disease are
Ease of bleeding and bruising, and this can be easily noticed in the event of a collision or wounds that affect different parts of the body.
Paleness of the face, yellowing of the skin, the appearance of signs of fatigue, illness and exhaustion on the patient, with a feeling of nausea.
Swelling in the body, especially in the legs, as well as an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, or so-called ascites.
Some problems in the man''s body, such as: enlarged breasts and atrophy of the testicles.
Weight loss, lack of appetite, body weakness, and difficulty moving.
Prevention of cirrhosis
To avoid cirrhosis, the following is recommended
Do not neglect the health of the liver, as examinations must be carried out to reassure it in the event that there are any symptoms that cause concern, and it is necessary to do an analysis for hepatitis B and C because they are diseases that are difficult to discover except by conducting analyzes.
Treating any liver problem at an early stage before it worsens and causes cirrhosis.
Commitment to a healthy, integrated diet is one of the most important things that guarantee the preservation of liver health, and fatty foods should be avoided as much as possible.
Maintaining weight, as excess weight negatively affects all organs and functions of the body, especially the liver.
4. Liver cancer
It means cancer that affects the liver and different types of cancers may form in it, most notably hepatocellular carcinoma, in addition to other types, such as: cancer of the bile ducts of the liver, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Chronic infection with hepatitis viruses can lead to liver cancer, and cirrhosis increases the chances of developing liver cancer.
Symptoms of liver cancer
The symptoms of liver cancer are similar to those of other liver diseases, such as
Loss of appetite and thus weight loss, inability to eat, and difficulty moving.
Severe and unbearable pain in various parts of the body, especially the upper abdomen.
Dizziness, nausea, unsteadiness and vomiting.
Feeling weak, weak, and unable to do the simplest things, making it difficult for the patient to go to the bathroom.
The color of the skin has changed and it becomes yellowish, the whites of the eyes increase, and the color of the stool becomes whitish.
Prevention of liver cancer
By following various prevention methods for diseases affecting the liver, you will reduce the possibility of developing liver cancer, including:
Maintaining the weight and physical fitness of the body through exercise so that its organs can function in full, as well as reduce the intake of fats and eat more healthy foods.
Stay away from sources of pollution, keep hands clean, eat uncontaminated food, and make sure the tools used are clean.
Not using anyone''s tools and avoiding exposure to contaminated chemicals.
Taking a vaccination against the hepatitis virus, as this helps prevent viral hepatitis that leads to serious complications, such as: cirrhosis and liver cancer.
