Track 2: Liver Diseases

Liver disease can be caused by viruses, drugs, poisons, or inherited conditions. Some common types of liver disease include: 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Excess fat builds up in the liver, often due to obesity, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. 

Hepatitis

A viral infection that can cause liver inflammation. Hepatitis A and B are acute infections that usually go away on their own, but hepatitis C is a chronic infection. 

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD)

Caused by excessive alcohol consumption, ALD can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. 

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease that occurs when healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. 

Wilson disease

A rare genetic disorder that causes copper to build up in the liver, brain, and other organs. 

Hemochromatosis

An inherited disease caused by a gene that runs in families. 

Other types of liver disease include: Alagille syndrome, Autoimmune hepatitis, Biliary atresia, Primary biliary cholangitis, and Liver cancer. 

Symptoms of liver disease include: 

Jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Belly pain and swelling

Swelling in the legs and ankles

Itchy skin

Dark urine

Pale stool

Constant tiredness

Nausea or vomiting

Loss of appetite

Bruising easily

What is type 4 liver disease?

Stage 4 liver disease is the final stage of liver disease, also known as end-stage liver disease (ESLD) or liver failure. At this stage, the liver can no longer function properly and requires a liver transplant to recover. 

Symptoms 

Fluid in the abdomen

Internal bleeding

Impaired kidney function

Confusion

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Nausea

Weight loss

Abdominal pain

Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

Causes

Cirrhosis, which is severe scarring of the liver 

Liver cancer, which is cancer that begins in the liver 

Alcohol-related liver disease, which can be caused by heavy alcohol use over many years 

Treatment

A liver transplant is the only option for recovery 

Treatment for liver cancer aims to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life 

Prevention

Regular blood tests can help detect and prevent liver disease 

Eating a healthy diet is important for people with cirrhosis