The liver disease must be treated early, during its initial phase, otherwise, it might progress and lead to liver cirrhosis (Scarring)and failure. The cause of liver damage can be attributed to factors like genetics, viral infections, chronic health conditions, obesity, or overweight, and chronic alcoholism.
Your healthcare provider will conduct diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of liver damage. These tests will also reveal the degree of damage that has occurred over time. When the reports are obtained after evaluation, they will begin the treatment.
The condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed well with treatments, which slows down the damage. The treat ments for liver disease are given below:
Medications
Since the causes of liver disease differ among individuals, the medications used to manage the causes are different. When the disease occurs because of viral infections, like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, then antiviral medications will be prescribed to kill off the virus and treat the infection. The medications are prescribed according to the cause of the disease
Liver transplant
When the damage is severe, has reached an advanced level, and cannot be managed with medications, then the only option is to get it replaced with a healthy one. Liver transplantation is an invasive procedure wherein the damaged liver is surgically removed, and the healthy liver of a donor is surgically placed.
Lifestyle changes
To prevent the risk of liver failure and cirrhosis, it is necessary to include some lifestyle changes that can have a powerful impact on your liver health. Those already on medications to treat their condition will be able to manage their condition very well with positive changes. And those who are healthy can prevent the risk of liver damage with these lifestyle changes that are given below:
- Healthy diet – Consuming a healthy and balanced diet is beneficial for the healthy functioning of your liver. Being mindful of what you consume is necessary. You must stop consuming junk or processed food and eat only clean foods like plenty of vegetables and fruits.
You need to reduce your fat intake and eat more foods that are excellent sources of fiber. Clean foods will be easily digested, and they are free of toxic substances. Whereas, fatty, oily, and processed foods are loaded with toxins and wastes, and they can increase the strain on the liver. Therefore, switch to a clean and healthy diet and stick to it.
- Exercise regularly – Engaging in moderate to intense aerobic activities for around 30 to 60 minutes every day will improve the liver’s capability to remove toxins and function properly.
- Give up alcohol – Excessive intake of alcohol can lead to alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD). The person may not even show any symptoms of liver damage until the damage reaches the advanced stage.Alcohol can cause the accumulation of fats in the liver, which leads to its enlargement. Besides, it can also give rise to other problems such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Quit smoking – The toxic substances present in cigarette smoke can contribute to liver damage. While filtering the blood, the liver toxins will be separated by the liver to eliminate them from the body. These cause liver tissue damage and gradually impair liver function.
Who is at risk of developing liver disease?
- Medications or supplements – Certain types of medications and supplements can contribute to liver dysfunction. The side effects can impair the liver function and lead to liver disease. It is necessary to avoid excessive use of OTC medicines. Some prescription drugs might also cause liver-related problems, you need to discuss this with your doctor before using the drugs.
- Exposure to toxins – Processed, junk, and fatty foods such as red meat, cheese, etc. are poor choices for the liver. Your diet must include more vegetables and fruits.
- Chronic drinkers – Alcohol is the main culprit of liver damage. One must avoid its abuse.
- Chronic health conditions – People with life-long health conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, diabetes, etc. are highly prone to liver disease. They must take extra care.
- Family history – Those with a family history of liver-related disorders are more likely to develop this condition. It is necessary for such individuals to implement positive lifestyle habits very early on.
The right time to see your doctor
People having liver disease may remain asymptomatic, and when the disease reaches some advanced stage, it might start giving indications. But you should see your doctor in case experience some symptoms that include:
- Yellowing of the white of the eyes and skin.
- Changes in the color of urine and stools.
- Pain in the upper right region of the abdomen.
- Swelling in arms and legs.
The lowdown
Liver disease can occur due to various reasons. It can be managed with the help of medications and lifestyle changes. However, if the disease has reached a severe stage and has caused the most damage, then the doctor will prescribe a liver transplantation procedure.