5 Stages of Liver Disease

by admin-blog-kh | May 11, 2021 9:39 am

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Introduction

The liver is one of the largest and most extraordinary organs in the body. While all other organs have specific or limited functions, the liver is a super organ that performs innumerable functions. To date, over 500 functions have been attributed to the liver, and scientists say more may be discovered over time.

The most important function is the processing of all that we consume—whether it be food, alcohol, drugs, or poisons—making it susceptible to damage from toxins. Infections in blood also reach the liver and inflict damage. Many other disease processes, inflammations, and conditions, including liver cancer, target the liver.

Causes of Liver Disease

• Excessive consumption of alcohol[11]
• Viruses
• Auto-immune disorders
• Unhealthy diet
• Obesity[12]
• Genetics
• Certain medications
• Drug abuse
• Exposure to toxic chemicals

Types of Liver Conditions

Liver disease[13] refers to a gradual decline in the health and condition of the liver. But there can be different underlying conditions causing the disease. Most common conditions include:

• Viral hepatitis[14]
• Immune hepatitis
• Alcoholic fatty liver
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver[15]

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Liver disease symptoms[16] vary depending on the type and stage of the condition. Early symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and discomfort. Signs of liver damage, such as jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools, may appear later. Specific liver problem symptoms include bloating, nausea, and unexplained weight changes.

Stages of Liver Disease

Irrespective of the underlying cause, the liver disease progresses through the same stages across different patients.

Stage 1: Inflammation

In this stage, the ongoing damage to liver cells from a number of agents and diseases causes the liver to get enlarged. Liver pain symptoms may manifest as abdominal pain in the upper right area (where the liver is located). At this stage, the condition may be treatable. However, in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver, there may be no prominent fatty liver symptoms. That is why it’s so important to have an annual health checkup that includes liver function tests.

Stage 2: Scarring

If the inflammation seen in stage 1 is left unchecked, the liver tissues slowly start scarring. The scarred tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, a condition called fibrosis, better known as cirrhosis[17]. As toxins, fat, and scarred tissue accumulate, fibrosis disrupts liver architecture and blood flow. Tissues deprived of blood supply become necrotic. Even at this stage, proper medication and lifestyle changes can reverse the condition to a certain extent.

Stage 3: Cirrhosis of the Liver

At this stage, the scarring is complete, leaving no possibility for the liver to heal itself. The only option for such a person is a liver transplant[19]. However, reaching this stage often takes decades. Symptoms include liver pain, discomfort, loss of appetite, fluid buildup, bloating, jaundice, and skin itching due to bile pigment deposits.

Stage 4: End-stage Liver Disease (ESLD)

As cirrhosis progresses, the liver begins to fail. Liver failure symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, confusion, and disorientation. Chronic liver failure develops gradually, while acute liver failure[20] happens quickly and often due to non-alcoholic causes. Life-support systems may keep the person alive until a matching liver is found.

Stage 5: Liver Cancer

Some doctors believe liver cancer is not a stage of liver disease as it can develop independently or during any of the earlier stages. Primary liver cancer originates in the liver, while secondary liver cancer[21] metastasizes from another organ. Like ESLD, liver cancer is fatal unless a matching liver is transplanted.

Regular screenings for liver cancer are vital, especially for individuals at risk. Early detection through advanced imaging and diagnostic tools can improve treatment outcomes. Kauvery Hospital offers specialized care, including liver transplants and oncology services, for patients with end-stage liver disease and liver cancer.

What Does Liver Pain Feel Like?

Patients often wonder, “What does liver pain feel like?” It is typically a dull, aching sensation in the upper right abdomen. In some cases, sharp pain may be felt, especially during movements. Chronic discomfort is a common liver disease symptom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are common liver disease symptoms?

Liver disease symptoms often include fatigue, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), swelling in the legs or abdomen, and nausea. Early detection is crucial to manage the disease effectively.

2. What are the signs of liver damage?

Signs of liver damage can range from mild fatigue and weight loss to severe symptoms like confusion and easy bruising. These symptoms indicate that the liver is struggling to function.

3. What does liver pain feel like?

Liver pain is typically felt as a dull ache or discomfort in the upper right abdomen. If you experience persistent liver pain, seek medical advice promptly.

4. What are the symptoms of liver failure?

Liver failure symptoms include severe jaundice, swelling, confusion, and an inability to perform daily tasks. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications.

5. What are the symptoms of a fatty liver?

Fatty liver symptoms may include discomfort in the abdomen, fatigue, and, in some cases, no symptoms at all. Regular health check-ups can help in early detection.

6. How can I differentiate liver problem symptoms from other conditions?

Liver problem symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal swelling are specific signs. Consult a healthcare provider to confirm and address the underlying cause.

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Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

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Updated on 19^th Nov 2024

Source URL: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/liver-diseases/5-stages-of-liver-disease/

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