The liver, the second largest organ of our body, is positioned in the abdominal cavity towards the upper right corner. It performs many functions, some of which are listed below.
The liver is the only organ that has the ability to regenerate when it is injured. But injury beyond a point will cause permanent damage to it. Damage to the liver progresses (sometimes without symptoms) from one stage to the next until it finally results in liver failure. Liver failure can be chronic or acute.
Sudden onset of liver failure is referred to as acute, whereas in chronic failure, the patient would have been suffering from liver damage for some time. Chronic damage usually proceeds through the stages of inflammation, scarring, and severe scarring before resulting in liver failure. Acute liver damage is sudden and often severe, for example, from Paracetamol overdose.
As mentioned, liver damage does not produce obvious symptoms in the early stages. However, treatment will be most effective only when rendered early. Hence, the need arises to take notice of the signs which may be a call for attention to a liver disorder that is just starting.
It is to be noted that in later stages cognitive loss might also be present. This happens when the accumulation of waste products starts to affect the brain. It may present as memory loss and changes in behaviour.
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to consult a doctor to rule out liver disease.
The doctor will enquire about your and your family’s medical history. Your eating and other lifestyle habits will also be looked into. Any medication you might be on should be communicated to your doctor (including painkillers).
The exact treatment plan suggested for you will depend on your condition. A liver transplant will be considered only if all other treatment options have failed.
To conclude, we can indeed say that the liver is a comparatively low-maintenance organ. On your part, you have to take care to treat it right!
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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.
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