Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 573.9      ICD10: K76.9      ICD11: DB9Z

Liver disease is a broad term encompassing any condition that affects the liver, potentially impairing its ability to function properly.
The liver plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including:

Filtering blood: Removing toxins, drugs, and other harmful substances.
Producing bile: A fluid that helps digest fats.
Storing energy: Storing glucose (sugar) as glycogen for later use.
Making proteins: Essential for blood clotting and other processes.
Regulating cholesterol: Producing and processing cholesterol.
Processing nutrients: Converting nutrients from food into forms the body can use.

When the liver is damaged or diseased, these functions can be disrupted, leading to a range of health problems.

Causes of Liver Disease:

Liver disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Infections: Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) are a common cause.
Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic liver disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A buildup of fat in the liver not caused by alcohol, often associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Genetic factors: Certain inherited conditions, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease, can damage the liver.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis can cause the immune system to attack the liver.
Certain medications and toxins: Some drugs and environmental toxins can be harmful to the liver.
Bile duct problems: Conditions that block or damage the bile ducts can lead to liver damage.
Cancer: Liver cancer or cancer that has spread from other parts of the body can affect liver function.

Types of Liver Disease:

There are many different types of liver disease, including:

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, often caused by chronic liver disease.
Fatty liver disease: A buildup of fat in the liver, which can be alcoholic (ALD) or non-alcoholic (NAFLD).
Liver cancer: Cancer that originates in the liver.
Autoimmune liver diseases: Conditions in which the immune system attacks the liver.
Genetic liver diseases: Inherited conditions that affect the liver.
Bile duct disorders: Conditions that affect the bile ducts, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Symptoms of Liver Disease:

Symptoms of liver disease can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Abdominal pain and swelling: Especially in the upper right quadrant.
Swelling in the legs and ankles: Due to fluid retention.
Dark urine: Due to increased bilirubin levels.
Pale, bloody, or tar-colored stool: Can indicate bleeding in the digestive tract.
Nausea and vomiting:
Fatigue:
Loss of appetite:
Itching:
Easy bruising or bleeding:
Mental confusion: (In severe cases).

Diagnosis of Liver Disease:

Liver disease is usually diagnosed through a combination of:

Medical history and physical exam:
Blood tests: Liver function tests (LFTs) can measure levels of liver enzymes and other substances in the blood.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and liver scan can help visualize the liver and identify abnormalities.
Liver biopsy: A small sample of liver tissue is taken and examined under a microscope.

Treatment of Liver Disease:

Treatment for liver disease depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding alcohol, losing weight, and eating a healthy diet.
Medications: Antiviral drugs for hepatitis, medications to reduce inflammation, and medications to manage symptoms.
Liver transplant: In severe cases of liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Other treatments: Depending on the specific condition.

Prevention of Liver Disease:

Some types of liver disease can be prevented by:

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B:
Practicing safe sex: To prevent hepatitis B and C.
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption:
Maintaining a healthy weight:
Eating a healthy diet:
Practicing good hygiene: To prevent hepatitis A.
Being cautious with medications and toxins:
Getting regular checkups with your doctor:

Important Note: *This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.*