LIVER DAMAGE: CAN IT BE PREVENTED??
Hello Steemians. Here is a post on liver damage.
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The liver is a viscera organ found only in vertebrates and it detoxifies various metabolites in the body, synthesizes proteins and produces biochemicals that are necessary for digestion.
Its located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen in human and its below the diaphragm.
It plays a major role in metabolism, regulation of glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells and the production of hormones.
Location of the liver in human (liver in red).
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Liver damage/failure is a life threatening condition that demands an urgent medical care because most often, liver damage do occur gradually and over many years. A more rare condition of liver damage known as acute liver failure do occur rapidly and this can be difficult to detect at an initial stage.
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When a larger part or parts of the liver becomes damaged beyond repair and the liver is no longer able to function, this is known as LIVER DAMAGE OR LIVER FAILURE.
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CAUSES OF LIVER DAMAGE
The most commonest causes of liver damage includes:
1. Hepatitis B and C
2. Cirrhosis (a term which describes a permanent scarring of the liver. The normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue that cannot perform any liver function.)
3. Malnutrition
4. Consumption of alcohol for a very long time
5. Hemochromatosis (This is an inherited disorder that uses the body to absorb and store up too much iron)
CAUSES OF ACUTE LIVER FAILURE (a condition whereby the liver fails rapidly) INCLUDES:
1. Hepatitis A, B, C (especially in children)
2. Ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms
3. The overdose usage of Acetaminophen
4. Reaction to certain herbal medication
SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DAMAGE
Diagnosing of liver damage may initially be difficult. Early symptoms of liver damage includes;
1. Fatigue
2. Diarrhoea
3. Loss of appetite
4. Nausea
5. Abnormal bleeding
6. Pain at the right upper quadrant of the stomach
7. Jaundice (yellow colouring of the skin)
8. Hepatic encephalopathy (a condition known as mental disorientation)
9. Swollen abdomen
TREATMENT
An overdosage uses of acetaminophen which results in acute liver failure can sometimes be treated and it's effect reversed if it's detected early enough.
Taking blood test which are helpful in assessing liver inflammation and function. Liver damage caused by a long term deterioration which may be treated by a liver transplant which has been a common procedure that is often successful.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Liver damage can be preventive if there is a Limit to the risk of developing cirrhosis or hepatitis which is one of the best ways to prevent liver failure. Other preventive measures includes:
1. Eating a proper diet and vegetables
2. Taking alcohol and when taking acetaminophen
3. Practicing a proper hygiene
4. Not handling blood or bloody products with bare hands
5. Getting a hepatitis vaccine or an immunoglobulin shot to prevent hepatitis A or B
6. The use of protection during sex
Thank You.
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