LIVER DISEASE
The Liver
The liver is the largest solid organ of the human body. It is located on the right side of the abdomen just below the ribs.
The liver is the largest solid organ of the human body. It is located on the right side of the abdomen just below the ribs.
What does the liver do?
The liver has many roles in the body such as:
- Processing and storing nutrients such as fat, protein, vitamins and minerals
- Maintaining sugar levels in the blood
- Breaking down and removing toxins from the blood such as drugs and alcohol
- Production and supply of bile for the breakdown of fats
A brief overview of liver disease
Liver disease can be caused by:
Alcoholic Liver Disease - caused by heavy and regular alcohol consumption over many years
Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) (previously known as NAFLD) - the exact cause of MAFLD is unknown. It occurs in people who do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. It is more common in the overweight or obese, those who have experienced rapid weight loss or gain, or those who do little physical activity. People with MAFLD may have high blood sugar levels and/or diabetes and high blood fat levels.
Viral Hepatitis - liver disease can also be caused by various viruses.
Liver disease can be caused by:
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Extra fat deposits in the liver cells
- Toxic effects of medications
- Viral infections
Alcoholic Liver Disease - caused by heavy and regular alcohol consumption over many years
Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) (previously known as NAFLD) - the exact cause of MAFLD is unknown. It occurs in people who do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. It is more common in the overweight or obese, those who have experienced rapid weight loss or gain, or those who do little physical activity. People with MAFLD may have high blood sugar levels and/or diabetes and high blood fat levels.
Viral Hepatitis - liver disease can also be caused by various viruses.
Complications of Chronic Liver Disease
Ascites is a common complication of advanced liver disease and refers to the retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity (the belly area). Oedema refers to fluid retention in the legs.
Cirrhosis - also known as “shrunken liver”. As liver disease advances the normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis) causing the liver to gradually lose function.
Hepatic Encephalopathy is a build up of toxins due to advanced liver disease. This condition affects brain function, and can cause confusion. The early stage of this condition is reversible.
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and white parts of the eye change to a yellow colour. It is caused by a build up of bilirubin. This is a yellowish pigment found in bile which is made and regulated by the liver.
Ascites is a common complication of advanced liver disease and refers to the retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity (the belly area). Oedema refers to fluid retention in the legs.
Cirrhosis - also known as “shrunken liver”. As liver disease advances the normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis) causing the liver to gradually lose function.
Hepatic Encephalopathy is a build up of toxins due to advanced liver disease. This condition affects brain function, and can cause confusion. The early stage of this condition is reversible.
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and white parts of the eye change to a yellow colour. It is caused by a build up of bilirubin. This is a yellowish pigment found in bile which is made and regulated by the liver.
Developed by Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney LHD, April 2012. Reviewed March 2018
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