Liver is internal organ in human body which is located on the right side of your belly, under your ribs. The liver plays a vital role in the body as nutrients and trash pass through your digestive system; the liver separates them. It also produces bile, a chemical that eliminates toxins from the body and assists digestion. In the clinical context, chronic liver disease is a disease process of the liver that involves the progressive destruction and regeneration of the liver parenchyma, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. “Chronic liver disease” is a liver disease lasting at least six months. It encompasses a broader spectrum of liver illnesses such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a chronic (long-term) liver disease. It is a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and prevents the liver from functioning normally.
Chronic liver disease causes
Following are the causes of chronic liver diseases.
- Alcoholism
- Viral infections such as hepatitis
- Fatty liver caused by obesity
- Cholesterol
- Use of specific medications
- Infections caused by parasites
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Autoimmune disorders
and other factors can all lead to chronic liver disease.
Symptoms Of Cirrhosis
Depending on the severity of your cirrhosis, your symptoms may differ. Mild cirrhosis may not show any signs. Following are the symptoms of cirrhosis.
- Gallstones
- Itching
- Kidney failure
- Muscle loss
- Loss of appetite
- Easy bruising
- Spider-like veins in the skin
- Low energy and weakness (fatigue).
Diagnosis Of Cirrhosis
Chronic liver disease develops over time, and the condition may go undetected unless there is clinical awareness of mild symptoms and evaluation of abnormal liver function tests. Your clinician will also recommend one or more tests to diagnose and determine the cause of liver disease accurately. These could include:
Blood Tests: These will include liver function tests to see whether the liver is functioning correctly. You may also be tested to check if your blood can clot. Abnormal levels may indicate liver function disorders.
Liver Biopsy: Your clinician will use a fine needle to extract a small sample of liver tissue during a liver biopsy. They examine the tissue for symptoms of liver disease.
CT Scan (computed tomography): This is an imaging test that makes detailed images of the body using X-rays and a computer. A CT scan provides information about the bones, muscles, and organs.
Ultrasound: This displays your inside organs in action. It examines how blood flows across various blood arteries. It creates images of blood arteries, tissues, and organs using high-frequency sound waves and a computer.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This examination produces detailed images of organs and structures throughout your body. It employs a magnetic field as well as radio wave energy bursts. A dye may be injected (shot) into your vein. The stain enhances the visibility of the liver and other organs on the scan.
