Jaundice and Liver Failure: Causes, Tests, Treatment, Diet, and Prevention

 

                                                Pic courtesy : Continental Hospitals

Jaundice and Liver Failure

Jaundice is a sign that something is wrong in the body, especially with the liver, bile ducts, or blood. Many people have misunderstandings about jaundice, so it is important to know the causes, tests, treatment, and prevention.

What causes jaundice?

Jaundice is broadly classified into infective jaundice and obstructive jaundice.

A common cause of infective jaundice is Hepatitis A, which spreads through contaminated food and water. Children are often affected.

Other important viruses are Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These spread mainly through blood, blood products, contaminated needles, tattooing, and body fluids such as saliva, sweat, semen, and vaginal fluids. Close contact and sexual transmission can also spread these infections.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and eventually liver failure.

Other viruses linked to jaundice include Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is commonly spread through contaminated water.

Infections such as leptospirosis can also cause jaundice. In some cases, stones or growths block the flow of bile, causing obstructive jaundice. Certain drugs may also trigger jaundice.

How is leptospirosis transmitted and treated?

Leptospirosis is usually spread through food or water contaminated with rat urine. The patient may develop fever, followed by jaundice and sometimes kidney failure. If it is not treated early, it can be fatal.

Treatment usually includes antibiotics such as penicillin or doxycycline.

Which type of infective jaundice is most dangerous?

Hepatitis C is one of the most serious forms of jaundice because it can lead to chronic liver disease and long-term liver damage.

Which form of jaundice may require surgery?

When stones or growths block the pathway of bile from the liver to the small intestine, surgery may be needed.

Bile stones often come from the gallbladder, and treatment may include removal of the gallbladder and the stones in the bile duct. If the blockage is caused by a tumor, major surgery may be required. In advanced cases, a bypass operation may be done to relieve the jaundice.

What tests are done for jaundice?

The main investigations are blood tests, scans, and endoscopy.

Blood tests help check the overall function of the liver. These are known as Liver Function Tests (LFTs). They can show whether liver damage is ongoing and help identify the type of jaundice. Clotting tests may also be done to see whether the liver is producing enough proteins for blood clotting.

An ultrasound scan is usually done first to look for structural problems in the liver. If needed, a CT scan or MRI may be done. MRI is now often the best test for detecting abnormalities in the liver and nearby organs, especially in obstructive jaundice.

Endoscopy may be used to examine the food pipe, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. A special procedure called ERCP can also be done to study the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

What diet is recommended for jaundice?

A diet rich in glucose is usually recommended because it supports liver cell recovery and provides energy. Fat intake should be reduced.

Deep-fried foods and alcohol should be avoided.

What is the treatment for jaundice?

Treatment depends on the cause.

For viral hepatitis, there is usually no specific cure. The main treatment is supportive care, while the body’s immune system clears the virus naturally.

If jaundice is caused by blockage of bile flow, surgery or another procedure may be needed.

What is the role of immunisation?

Hepatitis B vaccination is very important because it can prevent a major cause of jaundice and its serious complications. The vaccine is usually given in three doses, and vaccination now begins in infancy. A booster dose may be needed later to maintain protection.

Do herbs help in jaundice?

A commonly used herb is Keezhanelli, but its effectiveness has not been fully proven.

Liver Disease

What are the functions of the liver?

The liver has many important functions. Its two main jobs are synthesising and detoxifying.

Synthesising

The liver helps break down and store nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

If there is excess glucose in the blood, the liver stores it as fat.

If blood glucose is low, the liver can help produce glucose from fat and protein.

It stores vitamins A, D, K, B12, and folate.

It also makes important proteins such as albumin and clotting factors.

Detoxifying

The liver breaks down drugs, alcohol, and poisons absorbed from the intestine.

That is why liver failure is often described as power failure.

What is the relation between alcohol and liver disease?

The liver processes alcohol from the blood and bears the full burden of its toxic effects. Long-term alcohol use can damage the liver.

Regular intake of 3 units or more daily in men and 2 units or more daily in women for more than five years can lead to liver disease.

What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver damage caused by repeated injury from viruses, alcohol, toxins, or other causes. In cirrhosis, normal liver tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue, which does not work properly.

This disrupts blood flow in the liver and causes serious complications.

What are the complications of cirrhosis?

Complications of cirrhosis include:

• Fluid retention in the abdomen, causing swelling.
• Leg swelling due to low protein production.
• Anaemia and increased risk of infections.
• Varicose veins in the food pipe, which may burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.
• Liver failure, where the liver cannot remove toxins properly, leading to confusion, coma, and death.

What are the signs of liver failure?

Common signs of liver failure include:

• Jaundice
• 
  
• Bleeding tendency
• 
  
• Swollen abdomen
• 
  
• Swollen feet
• 
  
• Reduced urine output
• 
  
• Confusion or altered consciousness
• 
  
• Hand tremors
• 
  
• Muscle wasting

Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease awareness and essential information

Do read earlier post on Liver Disease here

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol. It's emerging as one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, estimated to affect 25% of the global population.

NAFLD develops when too much fat is deposited in the liver, causing it to become inflamed. This fat buildup is usually associated with obesity, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Therefore, NAFLD is considered the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome.

Many people with NAFLD do not experience any signs or symptoms especially in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, malaise, dull abdominal discomfort, and enlargement of the liver. Severe NAFLD can cause decreased appetite, nausea, jaundice, fluid buildup in the legs and abdomen.

The main cause of NAFLD is overweight/obesity coupled with insulin resistance. Eating high amounts of highly processed foods full of fructose corn syrup, fatty/fried foods, and simple carbohydrates increases risk. A sedentary lifestyle further contributes. Though less common,

certain medications, metabolic disorders, and rapid weight loss can also lead to NAFLD.

NAFLD is often diagnosed through abnormal liver function blood tests. Imaging studies like ultrasounds and MRIs can confirm fat accumulation in the liver. Liver biopsies are sometimes performed to assess severity. NAFLD may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) causing inflammation and liver cell damage, which can lead to cirrhosis.

The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle changes. Losing at least 5-10% of body weight through diet and exercise is highly beneficial. Avoiding processed carbs and sugary drinks while increasing healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can reduce fat deposits.

Medications may be prescribed to treat associated high blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. Vitamin E and other supplements are sometimes recommended.

Without treatment, NAFLD can worsen and result in serious complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and need for transplant. Early intervention to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight is key. People with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome should get regular screening. Increased awareness and proactive management of NAFLD is vital to curb this growing public health problem.

NAFLD is a very common but often undiagnosed condition that can lead to liver damage if unchecked.

Eating healthy, staying active, and losing weight helps prevent and treat NAFLD. Work closely with your doctor for proper evaluation and management of this disease.

Small lifestyle steps and vigilance go a long way in tackling NAFLD before it progresses.

Thank you for reading !!!, keep fit and stay healthy as always :-)

Fatty liver disease: Common problem could be symptom of serious health conditions

 

Fatty liver disease is an extremely common condition, but can potentially lead to severe liver damage over time. Being aware of risk factors and getting proper screening is important to detect and manage the problem early.

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a common condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. It's estimated that up to 30% of adults in developed countries have fatty liver disease. Many people with fatty liver disease don't have symptoms and are unaware they have the condition. However, fatty liver disease can potentially lead to more serious liver problems if left untreated.

Fat accumulates in the liver for a few main reasons. Common causes include being overweight or obese, having diabetes, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. The liver processes nutrients from food and drinks.

Consuming more calories than the body needs leads to fat accumulation. Alcohol consumption also contributes significantly to fatty liver disease. Other factors like certain medications and metabolic disorders can also cause fatty buildup in the liver.

In the early stages, fatty liver disease typically does not cause any signs or symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and itchy skin. Blood tests can check for elevated liver enzymes which may indicate liver damage. Imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can confirm the diagnosis by showing fat in the liver.

If more than 5-10% of the liver is replaced by fat, this is considered a fatty liver which may not lead to liver damage. However, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more severe form where along with fat, there is liver cell inflammation and damage.

NASH can progress to advanced scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and potentially liver failure or liver cancer. Therefore, diagnosing and treating fatty liver disease is important before it leads to irreversible damage.

Lifestyle changes are the mainstay of treatment for fatty liver disease. Losing weight through diet and exercise helps reduce fat in the liver. Limiting alcohol and stopping smoking is also critical. Certain medications may be prescribed to help control diabetes, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Regular follow up and monitoring for progression is key. If cirrhosis develops, more intensive treatment and possibly a liver transplant may be required.

Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can help prevent and treat this condition before it progresses to advanced liver disease. Discuss any concerns about fatty liver disease with your doctor. With early intervention, serious complications may be avoided.

Hope you liked this informative and awareness article on "Fatty Liver".

Keep reading !! Be fit and healthy.

Rising Liver Disease Hospital Admissions: A Call for Action

 

The recent surge in liver disease hospital admissions in England has prompted concerns and calls for immediate action. 

The British Liver Trust revealed a 22% increase, equivalent to nearly 15,000 additional admissions in a single year. These figures expose the urgent need for a comprehensive review of adult liver services to address variations and inequalities in treatment outcomes. 

Liver disease often remains undetected until it reaches advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible damage.

New data reveals a concerning rise in liver disease hospital admissions in England, emphasizing the need for awareness and action. 

The British Liver Trust calls for a prompt review of adult liver services to tackle the significant variation and inequalities in treatment outcomes across the country. 

With a 22% increase in admissions compared to the previous year, urgent measures are required to address the growing burden of liver disease on both the NHS and society as a whole.

Silent Progression and Preventive Measures:

Liver disease often progresses silently, manifesting few symptoms until significant damage occurs. However, the disease is highly preventable, with major risk factors including alcohol consumption, obesity, and hepatitis B and C. These factors contribute to the majority of cases, emphasizing the importance of public awareness campaigns and lifestyle modifications to mitigate the risk of developing liver disease.

Early Diagnosis and Intervention:

Alarmingly, three-quarters of individuals are diagnosed with cirrhosis, the most severe form of liver disease, when it is often too late for effective treatment. Timely diagnosis is crucial, as early intervention can halt and even reverse the progression of the disease. Recognizing the symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, appetite loss, jaundice, and itching, can aid in early detection and enable prompt medical intervention.

Addressing Inequalities and Variations:

The data also reveals significant disparities in liver disease across different socio-economic groups. Those in deprived communities are more susceptible to developing the disease, experiencing higher hospitalization rates and mortality. A comprehensive review of liver services is essential to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals.

The alarming rise in liver disease hospital admissions in England serves as a wake-up call for immediate action. 

It highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive review of adult liver services, awareness campaigns focusing on preventive measures, and early detection strategies. 

By addressing the variations and inequalities in treatment outcomes, we can effectively combat the growing burden of liver disease on both the healthcare system and society as a whole.

Treatment For Alcoholic Hepatitis (A Serious Liver Disease)

                                                            Pic Source: MayoClinic

Alcohol is a part of human culture and has been so for several centuries. Alcohol consumption is an important part of socializing. There are some cultures where alcohol is banned, but in most places in the world, it is freely available. Alcohol is addictive in nature, but only to individuals who consume this substance daily.

Most drinkers are social drinkers and are able to avoid alcohol as and when necessary. However, prolonged exposure to alcohol can causes serious health problems and it is therefore necessary that if you are an addict you need to quit drinking on your own.

Symptoms

The liver is an important and very complicated organ of the human body. It performs several different functions on which the life of an individual depends. One such function of the liver is of detoxification. This is the process that is associated with alcohol consumption. When the body detects alcohol in its blood, it begins to process the blood through the liver in order to filter this substance out of the body.

Hepatitis is a condition where the liver is inflamed due to some infection or condition in the body. Alcoholic hepatitis symptoms vary from patient to patient. In many cases, there will be mild or no alcoholic hepatitis symptoms at all. This is the case with most people who are in the process of developing this condition. As the condition progresses, these individuals will experience alcoholic hepatitis symptoms.

The most common alcoholic hepatitis symptoms include pain in the liver area and impaired liver function. This may cause fever, jaundice, ascites and many other potentially life threatening conditions. For individuals who have no alcoholic hepatitis symptoms, an examination may show that the liver is partially enlarged. This is a sign that remedial action needs to be take.

An individual who suffers from alcohol induced hepatitis should avoid the consumption of alcohol completely. Everyone should realize that alcoholic hepatitis is a life threatening condition and should therefore seek effective tips to give up drinking. It is not wise to risk one’s life in the pursuit of alcohol.

There are many ways to stop drinking which should be tried by any individual who is suffering from alcoholic hepatitis. Individuals may choose to quit drinking on their own or to seek the help of support groups and agencies that can help them get over this problem. In some cases, individuals who are suffering from alcohol dependency may need to be forcefully placed into rehabilitation centers.

This usually happens when members of the family or friends circle have had enough of the individual being continuously drunk.

Alcoholic hepatitis treatment depends on the extent to which the liver has been damaged. The liver is a vital organ that cannot be treated if it is damaged beyond a certain point. An individual will also not be able to survive without a liver that is at least partially functional.

Liver transplants are possible, but these are usually not given to patients with a history of alcohol abuse simply because there is a good chance that this organ donation will be wasted. Therefore, medications and surgical options are used for alcoholic hepatitis treatment.

It should be noted that in most cases, the alcoholic hepatitis symptoms are not particularly dangerous. It is only when an individual ignores these symptoms and continues drinking that the problem really becomes acute.

Most patients suffering from alcoholic hepatitis will recover fully if they stop alcohol consumption and begin to follow a healthy diet. It is important that such people realize the severity of their condition because this is the only way in which they will be prompted to make a useful change to their habits.

Some individuals may be ashamed or embarrassed about their condition. These people can seek anonymous help for their problem of alcohol dependency.