Liver disease encompasses a range of conditions that impair the liver’s ability to detoxify blood, produce bile, synthesize proteins, and store nutrients. It includes acute injuries (e.g., drug-induced hepatitis), chronic conditions (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis), and viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV).
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Jaundice: Yellowing of skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup
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Fatigue & Weakness: Reduced energy from impaired metabolism
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Abdominal Pain & Swelling: Discomfort and ascites in the upper right quadrant
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Pruritus: Itchy skin from bile salt deposition
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Dark Urine & Pale Stools: Altered bilirubin excretion
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Cognitive Changes: Confusion or drowsiness in hepatic encephalopathy
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Diabetes Mellitus: High glucose damages glomeruli (diabetic nephropathy)
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Hypertension: Chronic high pressure injures renal vessels
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Glomerulonephritis: Immune-mediated inflammation of filtering units
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Polycystic Kidney Disease: Genetic cyst formation and loss of tissue
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Obstruction: Stones, tumors, or enlarged prostate blocking urine flow
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Autoimmune Disorders: Lupus nephritis, vasculitis
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Alcohol Binge Drinking: Accelerates inflammation and fibrosis
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High-Fat, High-Sugar Diets: Promote fatty liver progression
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Drug Interactions: Hepatotoxic medications or supplements
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Viral Reactivation: Immunosuppression or co-infection with hepatitis viruses
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Excess Iron or Copper Accumulation: Dietary or genetic factors
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Liver Function Tests (LFTs): ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin levels
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Imaging: Ultrasound, FibroScan, CT or MRI to assess steatosis and fibrosis
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Viral Serologies: HBsAg, anti-HBc, HCV RNA for hepatitis screening
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Autoimmune Markers: ANA, anti-smooth muscle, AMA for autoimmune hepatitis/PBC
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Liver Biopsy: Histologic staging of inflammation, fibrosis, or steatosis
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Hepatoprotective Agents:
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Silymarin (Milk Thistle), Glycyrrhizin for antioxidant support
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Cholestasis Management:
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Ursodeoxycholic Acid to improve bile flow in cholestatic liver disease
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Ascites & Edema Control:
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Spironolactone, Furosemide to mobilize excess fluid
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Hepatic Encephalopathy:
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Lactulose, Rifaximin to reduce ammonia absorption
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Antiviral Therapies:
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Tenofovir, Entecavir for chronic HBV; Sofosbuvir + Ledipasvir for HCV
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Lifestyle & Support:
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Abstain from alcohol, adopt a balanced diet, manage diabetes and lipids
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Surveillance & Referral:
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Regular screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis; transplant evaluation if decompensated
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Q1: Can fatty liver be reversed?
A: Yes—through weight loss, exercise, glycemic control, and lipid management, NAFLD can regress in early stages.
Q2: How is cirrhosis managed?
A: With diuretics for ascites, lactulose for encephalopathy, beta-blockers to prevent variceal bleeding, and surveillance for liver cancer.
Q3: Are antiviral medications for hepatitis lifelong?
A: HBV treatment is often long-term; HCV can be cured with a finite course of direct-acting antivirals.
Q4: What diet supports liver health?
A: A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats supports liver function.
Q5: When should I see a hepatologist?
A: If you have persistently elevated LFTs, signs of decompensation (ascites, encephalopathy), or confirmed viral hepatitis.