Causes and symptoms of liver diseases

Liver is one of the important and the largest organ of the body. Among its various functions the most important is to secrete bile. Bile is stored in the gall bladder and this helps in digestion of food. Liver diseases are a broad term for many potential problems that can cause the liver not to function. About 75% of the liver tissue has to be affected before it completely stops functioning and this situation is called liver failure. In fact liver is the only organ in the body that can replace the damaged cells. But, if the loss of the cells is too large then, the liver would stop functioning.

The functions are of the liver are numerous and hence it is also considered as a factory. Its various functions are production of bile, converts extra glucose in glycogen and stores it, produces blood clotting factors, produces amino acids to fight against infections; converts body wastes into urea and secretes in through urine. Processes and storage of iron required to production of red blood cells. Liver Cirrhosis is a term used when the liver becomes permanently scarred. Though normal liver cells replace the scarred cells, they cannot perform any of the functions of the liver.

There are many liver diseases causes. Alcohol abuse is the most common cause for liver damage especially in North America. Alcohol is toxic to the liver and causes inflammation. This is called alcohol hepatitis. Liver diseases are also caused due to over exposure to medication. Overdose of certain medicines and drugs can cause liver failure. Infectious hepatitis also causes liver failure. Hepatitis means inflammation and the liver cells become inflamed because of infection. Other viral infections such as adenovirus also cause liver failure.

The classic liver diseases symptoms are vomiting and nausea and abdomen pain. Jaundice, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss are also some of the symptoms of liver diseases. Digestion and appetite of the person whose liver is not functioning well also drops. Due to this anemia also can occur. The color of the stools also becomes very light and pale. Stools are usually dark in color because of the presence of bile. But, if the bile production reduces, the stools become light in color. Bloating of the stomach is also a symptom of liver disease.

So, what is the treatment of liver diseases? Each liver diseases treatment is a regime of its own. For example Liver Cirrhosis requires medication and control of the protein content in the diet. Hepatitis requires support to maintain hydration in the body. At times operations is also required. If the case is very serious, then the patient may also require liver transplantation.

Get Detail information about various liver diseases like Liver Cirrhosis, hepatitis C, jaundice and many more on online health information guide: Peoples-health.com. Know the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for various liver diseases.