Are you concerned about your liver? Let's talk about liver disease!

The liver is like a big factory inside our body. It is truly an amazing organ. This small organ performs hundreds of essential functions, such as filtering and removing toxins from our body and helping us digest food. However, because it filters everything in this way, sometimes when toxins build up, the liver can't handle it. That's when problems start to arise.

What exactly is liver disease?

Doctors usually refer to "liver disease" as a condition that gradually damages the liver over time. Strictly speaking, this is not a sudden illness. Viral infections, toxins, and certain diseases can weaken the liver over time. Although our liver has an amazing ability to regenerate, it becomes overworked when it is continuously damaged. Eventually, it can no longer do its job.

What are the stages of liver disease?

Liver disease that develops over time goes through four main stages. Let's take a look at what they are.

1. Hepatitis: This is when the liver tissue becomes swollen, or inflamed. Just like when we have an injury, the area swells. When there is an infection or damage, the liver swells in response. But as this damage continues, the swelling continues. This chronic swelling eventually causes scarring of the liver.

2. Fibrosis: This is when scar tissue begins to form in the liver. This scarring causes the liver to become stiff, like rubber. This scarring reduces blood flow through the liver. This reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients the liver needs. But the amazing thing is, even at this stage, if the damage is stopped, the liver can recover.

3. Cirrhosis: This is a serious, permanent scarring of the liver. Once this stage is reached, the scarring is irreversible. When the liver's healthy cells are severely depleted, it loses its ability to regenerate new ones. But don't worry, even at this stage, the disease can be stopped or controlled from getting worse.

4. Liver Failure: This is the final stage. What happens here is that the liver becomes so weak that it cannot do even the necessary work for the body. When the liver stops functioning, its effects begin to be felt throughout the body. Although this happens gradually, it can be fatal if a liver transplant is not performed. Because a liver is essential for us to survive.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Most of the time, liver disease doesn't show any major symptoms in the early stages. That's the scariest part about it. But sometimes the symptoms are very common. It's only when the disease is severe that the obvious symptoms appear later.

What causes liver disease?

There are more than 100 types of liver disease, but several main causes can be identified.

• Viral infections: Viruses like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can damage the liver over time.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: This is the main cause of liver damage. Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver, swelling, and eventually cirrhosis.
• Toxic chemicals: Chemicals used in factories and some medications can damage the liver if used for a long time.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol can cause fat to build up in the liver and cause it to swell.
• Autoimmune diseases: Sometimes our body's own immune system starts attacking liver cells. This can cause the liver to swell and become scarred.
• Hereditary causes: Some genetic diseases can cause toxins to accumulate in the body and damage the liver.
• Heart disease: Some heart diseases reduce the amount of blood that reaches the liver, which can damage the liver.

How do you find out if you have liver disease?

If you suspect you have a liver problem, be sure to see your doctor. He or she will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and refer you for tests like these if necessary.

• Blood tests: These can give a good idea of ​​how well your liver is functioning. They measure things like liver enzymes, protein, and bilirubin levels.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan can check the size, shape, and presence of scarring in the liver.
• Endoscopy: This method uses a thin tube with a camera inserted through the mouth to examine the condition of the bile ducts connected to the liver.
• Liver biopsy: Sometimes, to accurately diagnose the disease, a very small piece of tissue from the liver is taken and examined using a thin needle.

What should we do to protect the liver?

The liver is a silent worker in our body. We don't think about it until it gets sick. So, let's take care of these things to keep the liver healthy.

To prevent disease

• Get vaccinated: Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can protect you from these diseases.
• Stay clean: Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Simple hygiene practices like these can help prevent infections.
• Control your alcohol intake: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. It is best to stop drinking altogether if possible.
• Be careful with medications: Do not use any medication, especially painkillers, without a doctor's prescription.

If you already have liver disease

• Healthy diet: Include more vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and fish in your diet. Stay away from foods high in oil, sugar, and salt.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight for your height is very important for your liver. Consult your doctor about this.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs: These further damage the liver.
• See the doctor on time: Follow the doctor's instructions exactly and attend clinics on the scheduled dates.

The liver is an organ that affects the health of our entire body. So when it gets sick, the whole body feels it. But most of the time, we don't realize it until the disease is advanced. So the best thing we can do is stay away from things that damage the liver and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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