– Bile secretion is used to emulsify fats and make them easier to digest.
– Fatty acid absorption
– Generation of heat
– Vitamins, glycogen, amino acids, and other nutrients are stored in the body.
– Clotting factors and plasma proteins are generated, which are essential in the delivery of certain drugs. It also generates some precursors for the development of RBCs.
– RBCs that have reached the end of their useful lives should be destroyed.
When the liver is harmed, it is unable to carry out its functions as intended, which can result in health problems.
The liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder may be affected by a variety of diseases or medical conditions, including:
1. Jaundice
A disorder characterized by a yellow colouration of the skin, eyes, and other mucus membranes as a result of an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood system. Bilirubin is formed when old RBCs are broken down, and it is then conjugated in the liver and excreted in the urine and faeces. This pigment is responsible for the traditional colours that we associate with urine and faeces. Jaundice is a symptom of a variety of liver diseases, including hepatitis, drug-induced liver damage, and liver cirrhosis. Icterus is another name for jaundice.
2. Hepatitis
Swelling and inflammation of the liver are terms used to describe this condition. Viruses, bacteria, alcohol, medications like paracetamol, and diseases like Wilson’s disease may all contribute to this. Viral hepatitis is the most common form of hepatitis, and it is classified into five types: A-E. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through food, while Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood transfusions, unprotected sex, injection drug use, and so on. Hepatitis B vaccines are the only ones available. Hepatitis is one of the world’s leading causes of liver cancer.
Viral hepatitis symptoms include:
– Vomiting and nausea
– Loss of appetite and diarrhoea
– Headache and exhaustion
– stomach ache
– Urine that is dark in colour and stool that is pale
– Jaundice
Antiviral medications such as tenofovir, lamivudine, and others are commonly used to treat viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is prevented by vaccination and the avoidance of unhealthy behaviours such as alcoholism, casual s3x with multiple partners, sharing sharp items, eating unclean or improperly cooked food and drink, and so on.
3. Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to the liver, resulting in hepatic cell degeneration and liver dysfunction. Scar tissue replaces the liver tissue. Infection, inflammation around the liver’s sites (also known as perihepatitis), fat penetration of the liver cells, congestion of the bile ducts, and enlargement of the liver due to intoxication are all possible causes.
Cirrhosis of the liver manifests itself as the following signs and symptoms:
– Fever, and headaches
– Vomiting and nausea
– Extreme cases can result in coma.
– Heart rate is higher.
– Deficiency and wasting of muscles
– Inability to focus
Cirrhosis of the liver can be deadly. It is preferable to catch it early on before it progresses to this stage. Along with hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis is one of the most common causes of liver cancer.
4. Liver Cancer
This is a community of cancerous cells that have spread across the liver. Primary liver cancers arise in the liver, while metastatic liver cancers spread to the liver from other organs. It affects more men than women. Chronic hepatitis B or C, chronic cirrhosis, alcoholism, and other factors may all contribute to liver cancer. Liver cancer can lead to liver failure, necessitating a costly transplant.
5. Wilson’s Disease
This is a rare genetic disorder in which the body retains so much copper. An individual with this disease’s liver may not release copper into bile in the proper amounts. Copper accumulates in the liver and starts to damage the organs. It can cause brain injury, liver damage, and failure, as well as death if not treated.
6. Galactosemia
This is a genetic condition that affects the ability to absorb the sugar galactose, which is present in many foods. It is more common in children. Galactose is a component of lactose, which can be found in all dairy products. Lactose-containing foods are broken down into galactose and glucose when consumed. In this condition, the blood contains an excessive amount of galactose. This can result in severe complications including liver enlargement, kidney failure, eye cataracts, or brain injury. If left untreated, up to 75% of infants with galactosemia will die.
Preventive measures for liver disease
– Self-medication, overdose and hard drugs should be avoided.
– Alcoholism should be avoided.
– Have only one sexual partner to avoid having unprotected sex with a lot of people.
– Obtain the necessary disease vaccines.
– Maintain good nutrition, water, and personal hygiene.
– Usage of injection drugs and tattooing of contaminated blades should be avoided.
– As far as possible, avoid exchanging sharp objects.
– Know your liver’s health status so you can start care right away to avoid end-stage disease.
– Authorized herbal supplements and concoctions should be avoided.
End-stage
Liver disease will necessitate a very costly liver transplant, so any sort of liver disease is a threat to your life and finances. Ascertain that it is found as soon as possible. Visit your doctor regularly and avoid practices that raise your risk of developing liver disease.
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