What is the Liver?
The liver is an organ that is present under your rib cage and on the right side of your abdomen. It plays an important role in digesting food and getting rid of toxins from the body.
Causes of Liver Diseases
The causes of liver diseases are as follows-
- Genetic issues
- Infection due to virus
- Alcohol addiction
- Obesity
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Lack of exercise
- Eating junk and processed food
- Weak immune system
The causes may damage the liver. It may just start from the fatty liver's basic stages and grades. If neglected and untreated, it may increase toxicity in the body causing damage to the liver. This could lead to many complications like scarring or cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis of the liver is a complicated life-threatening condition that may lead to liver failure.
Can we recover from liver diseases?
Well, the good news is that you can recover from liver damage provided it is diagnosed at early stages and preventive measures for a healthy lifestyle are taken. So, it is important to give equal importance to your liver health.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
It is important to remember that liver disease may not show considerable signs and symptoms always. They may go unnoticed at times. It is only detected when you go for a routine checkup with a doctor or when you are advised by USG. However, some gastric symptoms are present at times which may direct us to liver issues.
The symptoms of liver disease are as follows-
- The yellowish appearance of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling of the abdomen on right side
- Swelling of legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Pale light-colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising
- Gastric disturbances like bloating
- Abdominal cramps
- Constipation
When should I consult a doctor for liver disease?
If you are resonating with any above-mentioned signs and symptoms, it is important to consult the doctor at an earliest.
Prevention of Liver Disease
The preventive tips for liver disease are as follows-
- Avoid alcohol and other addictions
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis
- Eat healthy diet
- Use medications wisely especially painkillers
- Avoid contact with other person’s bodily fluids
- Practice cleanliness and food safety
- Maintain healthy weight
- Exercise and sweat out
- Detox liver once a month
- Drink plenty of water and fluids