Introduction
Liver Disorders are one of the most common health disorders among human being all around the world. The liver disorders are caused due to various reasons and can be identified through several symptoms. These may affect everyone from infants to older adults and can lead to many severe diseases as well.
Function of Liver
Liver is considered the largest and one of the most critical organs in the body and it plays a crucial role in the body`s metabolism. Liver is located on the right side of the abdomen under the diaphragm and works like a chemical laboratory. Its main function is the secretion of bile and the production of enzymes, which is essential for digestion of fats and control of the chemical processes in the body, respectively. The liver metabolises most of the nutrients that are absorbed by the intestine, stores them, produces proteins and also detoxifies blood by removing drugs, alcohol and potentially harmful chemicals from the bloodstream.
Symptoms of Liver Disorders
There are several signs and symptoms that help in identifying the liver disorders. The symptoms of liver disorders usually differ according to different types. However, there are some common symptoms that can be found in almost all types of liver disorders. These symptoms include;
Abdominal pain;
General fatigue;
Intestinal bleeding;
Itching;
Jaundice;
Nausea and vomiting;
Small red, spider-like blood vessels under the skin or easy bruising;
Swelling in the abdomen and legs caused by fluid accumulation;
Weakness;
Weight loss;
Mental disorder;
Rectal bleeding;
Vomiting blood; etc.
Diagnosis of Liver Disorders
The diagnosis of liver disorders is mostly done through blood tests and knowing a complete personal history. Sometimes, a liver biopsy is also performed to confirm the diagnosis of liver disorders.
Causes of Liver Disorders
Liver disorders are commonly found in people all around the world and are capable of leading towards more severe health disorders, if not treated in time. There are several factors identified as probable causes of liver disorders. Most types of liver disorders are involved with improper dietary habits or lifestyle. Though the causes of liver disorders may vary according to different types, there are a few factors that can be found in almost all types of liver disorders. Knowing the risk factors for a particular disorder helps a lot in choosing the right treatment method.
Viral and bacterial infections are considered the two most common causes of liver disorders. Three types of Hepatitis viruses named as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are a common reason behind most cases of liver disorders. The Hepatitis C virus is also known as Cirrhosis and the liver disorders caused due to this virus are known as Liver Cirrhosis. The Hepatitis A and B viruses can be prevented through vaccination and can be treated as well. However, there is no vaccine available for Liver Cirrhosis and it is quite difficult to treat this disorder. The three Hepatitis viruses can spread through sewage, contaminated food and water, sharing of infected needles, direct blood-to-blood contact, contact with infected semen, blood and also from mother to newborn.
Obesity is counted amongst the primary causes of liver disorders. A person usually becomes obese by following an improper dietary habit over a long period of time and as a result, he has a higher risk of developing liver disorders. Another common cause is alcohol consumption. Generally, the process of liver`s metabolising alcohol is affected by the factors like gender, age, nationality, weight and overall health conditions. The normal liver function is interrupted if the liver contains too much alcohol and this eventually leads to a chemical imbalance. The liver cells may also be destroyed or altered if the liver is required to detoxify alcohol continuously. This may result in fat deposits (fatty liver) and may also cause the more severe complications like inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis) or permanent scarring. a possibility of developing liver cancer cannot be negated as well.
It has been found that many types of liver disorders are caused due to defective genes. These types of disorders may be diagnosed in infancy or may not be diagnosed until a much later period in life. The most common types of liver disorders caused due to genetics include hemochromatosis, Wilson`s disease, tyrosinemia, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, Glycogen Storage disease, etc. Various autoimmune disorders may sometimes become causes of liver disorders. The body`s immune system may sometimes begin to attack the liver or bile ducts and, thus, cause inflammation and scarring. This may lead to a progressive form of liver disease. The diseases caused by autoimmune disorders include primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis, etc.
Sometimes, certain drugs and toxins taken for curing other diseases may become a probable cause for liver disorders. The liver usually processes most of the chemicals and medications that enter one`s body and as a result, it becomes vulnerable to acute or chronic liver disease caused due to chemicals. Though most types of such diseases are predictable, there are a few severe types of disorders that cannot be predicted. Usually, there are three types of liver toxicity found in human beings that include the dose-dependent toxicity, the idiosyncratic toxicity and drug allergy. Cancer is considered another common cause of liver disorder. Though the liver cancer is not that common, there are many forms of cancer that often metabolise in liver. Cancer may also originate and develop in the liver, in cases of advanced liver diseases.
Apart from the above mentioned factors, there are also a few other causes of liver disorders. These factors include congenital birth defects, or abnormalities of the liver present at birth; inherited disorders of iron and copper metabolism, or defects in basic body processes; nutritional deficiencies; trauma, or injury; repeated episodes of heart failure with liver congestion and bile-duct obstruction; etc. However, it is always better to take preventive actions for restricting these causes, as the maxim goes, "Prevention is better than cure".
Types of Liver Disorders
Any disturbance in the functioning of the liver in one`s body is known as liver disorder. There are several types of liver disorders identified so far and they are caused due to different reasons. Most of these result from viral and bacterial infections. While some disorders are found predominantly among the older people, there are a few that are exclusively found among children. Different types of liver disorders also show different signs and symptoms and require different treatment methods.
The viral hepatitis is considered one of the most common types of liver diseases. Viral hepatitis is caused mainly due to three hepatitis viruses named Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and can also be caused due to drug, autoimmune or metabolic disorders. The Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (also known as Cirrhosis) viruses are found quite commonly among people. Hepatitis can be both an acute and chronic inflammation of the liver and may spread from one person to another. The viruses can spread through contact with infected semen, blood, sewage, contaminated food and water, sharing of infected needles, direct blood-to-blood contact and also from mother to newborn. Jaundice is the most common symptom of viral hepatitis.
Liver Cirrhosis is a severe kind of liver disorder which is caused due to Cirrhosis or Hepatitis C virus. The term Cirrhosis means the liver is damaged so severely that its normal shape is distorted. The term also means that there is an increase in scar tissue in the liver and the liver mass is reduced. The main causes behind this disorder include long-term, excessive alcohol consumption; inherited disorders of iron and copper metabolism; severe reactions to certain medications; chronic infection with hepatitis B virus; repeated episodes of heart failure with liver congestion and bile-duct obstruction; etc. Liver Cirrhosis is twice as common in men as in women and is also 30 times more common among heavy drinkers.
There are certain types of liver disorders that are found more commonly amongst children. Galactosemia is one such liver disease and in this inherited disease, the body cannot tolerate certain sugars in milk. These sugars can build up and cause serious damage to the liver and also to the other organs of the body. Another type of liver disease is Alagille syndrome. This is a condition where the bile ducts become narrowed and deteriorated, especially during the first year of life. A common genetic liver disease among children is the Alpha 1- antitrypsin deficiency. This disease can eventually lead to hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. The Neonatal hepatitis is a type of hepatitis that occurs in a newborn during the first few months of life. Another form of liver disease is Tyrosinemia which can cause serious problems with liver metabolism.
The liver disorder named Hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a condition in which thin blood vessels allow frequent and easy bleeding of the skin and digestive tract and this is frequently found among children. Another form of liver disorder is Reye`s syndrome. This condition may cause a buildup of fat in the liver and the main cause behind this is the use of a few drugs taken for curing chickenpox, influenza or other illnesses that are followed by fever. Sometimes, children suffer from an inherited liver disorder named the Wilson`s disease. This condition may cause a buildup of the mineral copper in the liver. One of the most common types of liver disorders among children is Thalassaemia. This is actually a group of hereditary anaemias or low red blood cell counts.
Another form of liver disorder found in children is the Biliary atresia. Here the bile ducts that extend from the liver to the intestine become too small in diameter or sometimes go missing. The Chronic active hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is a common liver disorder. This condition causes severe scarring and interference with liver function. The liver cancer is another type that results from the spreading of cancerous tumours from other parts of the body to the liver.
The common types of liver disorders found frequently among older people include the Type I glycogen storage disease. This disease can cause problems in controlling blood sugars when a person fasts. Another type of liver disorder found commonly among adults is Porphyria. This condition causes a malfunction in the process of body using porphyrins. The other common types of liver disorders found in older people include the liver tumours, liver abscess (collection of pus), primary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, liver failure, portal hypertension, Gaucher disease, hepatoma, sarcoidosis, Zellweger Syndrome, etc. There are also some rare types of chronic liver disorders that include chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease, idiopathic liver cirrhosis, drug-induced liver disease, liver vein outflow obstruction, Budd-Chiari syndrome, etc.
Apart from the above mentioned types of liver disorders, there may also be a few other forms that are not commonly found but can cause serious damages. Though most of these disorders require different treatment methods, some of them can be treated with the same drugs, as they have similarities in their causes and symptoms.
Treatment of Liver Disorders
The liver disorders are treated by following several alternative medicinal therapies. Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Naturopathy, etc are some of the ancient and known methods for treating such ailments. Sometimes, various home remedies are also applied for treating liver disorders. Most of these treatment methods make good use of various herbs and natural ingredients and provide an effective way for getting relief from liver disorders.
For treatment of liver disorders, the Ayurvedic medicine first identifies the exact type of disorder and then prescribes a particular method. The Ayurvedic treatment of liver disorders includes both medications and dietary restrictions. Ayurveda describes Jaundice as Kaamala and also consider this as one of the major diseases of Yakrit (liver). There are many Ayurvedic preparations used for treating liver diseases including Panchakarma, Rasayana therapies, Pippalyadi choornam, pippali vardhamana yogam, Panchagavyam, Mahathiktakam, Snehanam, Kalyanaka Gritham, pippalichitraka gritham, pippali gritham, chitraka gritham, rohitha gritham, maharohita gritham, etc. The Ayurvedic medicines play a significant role in protecting the liver from cirrhosis and from liver cancer.
The herbs that are used commonly for making Ayurvedic medicines for liver disorders include Bhumyamalaki, Bhringaraj, Turmeric, Guduchi, Haritaki, Kalmegha, Kutki, Musta, Pippali, Punarnava, Licorice, Triphala, Amrutha, etc. Apart from these, the herbs like Berberis, Chicory, Dandelion, Gokulakanta, Henna, Indian Aloe, Indian Sorrel, Picrorrhiza, Trailing Eclipta, Turpeth, etc. are also used for treatment of liver disorders. Among all these herbs, Bhringaraj is considered the most useful Ayurvedic drug and is used for almost all types of liver disorders.
Homoeopathy provides a useful and easy procedure for treating liver disorders. The Homoeopathic medicines are by nature gentle and treat the patient as a whole. The individual-based Homoeopathic treatment prescribes remedies and dosages, depending on the strength of a person`s immune system. The medicines improve the overall functioning of the liver. They also prevent problems associated with a sluggish liver like depressed immune system, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish digestive system, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin, irritability, etc. The homoeopathic remedies improve gall bladder functioning, reduce inflammation, help dissipate gallstones and also neutralise toxins. They act as liver-friendly anti-oxidant, vitamin and mineral supplements. The most frequently used homoeopathic medicines for treating liver diseases are Bryonia, Mercurius, Podophyllum, Chelidonium, Digitalis, Myrica cerifera, Nux vomica, Lycopodium, Carduus marianus, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Taraxacum, etc.
The Indian traditional medicine, Siddha, is also used frequently for treatment of liver disorders. The Siddha system of medicine is well recognised as a definite approach to liver disease treatment and the medicines are made using the natural ingredients like Venkaram (Borax), Rasa Karpooram (Mercuric sub chloride), Manjal (Curcuma longa), Elumichai Charu (Lemon Juice), etc.
In Naturopathy the treatment of liver disorders is done following various dietary restrictions and different exercises. According to Naturopathy, detoxification of the liver is necessary if there is a liver problem. To do this, fasting for a day is suggested and after that, easily digestible food items should be consumed. Consumption of bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and bitter drumstick and goat`s or cow`s milk is prescribed. It is a necessity to add garlic in the diet. The patients are sometimes advised to eat beets, lemon, papaya and grape juice and radish juice and carrot juice to help curing liver diseases. They are also prescribed to undertake warm water anemia and eat the foodstuffs like raw nuts, almonds, home made cheese, sprouts and steamed vegetables like papaya and bitter gourd. They may sometimes follow the milk and fruit diet as well. However, consumption of salt, sugar and alcohol are strictly prohibited in naturopathic treatment of liver disorders.
Drinking plenty of liquids, vegetable soups and taking complete bed rest are suggested in case of jaundice and hepatitis. Excluding all fats, fried foods, smoked foods, cakes, creams, pulses, legumes and all kinds of meat, etc. is also quite necessary for effective treatment of liver disorders. It is often advised to add tender neem leaves and flowers to the patient`s diet. Practising Yogic Asanas like Pranayama, twice a day along with mudpacks, mineral water drinks and mineral bath are a few other effective ways for treating liver disorders. There are also some home remedies used for treatment of liver disorders. Drinking a mixture of a little salt and some roasted cumin seeds with a glass of buttermilk is sometimes suggested.
However, though most types of liver disorders can be treated following the above mentioned treatment methods, taking preventive actions are always better. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses. Apart from these, the other preventive measures for liver disorders include practising good hygiene like washing hands well after using the restroom or changing diapers; avoiding drinking or using tap water while traveling; avoiding illegal drug use, especially sharing injection equipment; avoiding the sharing of personal hygiene items like razors or nail clippers; avoiding toxic substances and excess alcohol consumption; using medications only as directed; using caution around industrial chemicals; eating a well balanced diet; getting an injection of immune globulin after exposure to Hepatitis A; using recommended safety precautions in healthcare and day care work, etc.
