Saturday, January 5, 2008

How Can I Protect My Liver?

There are multitudinous diseases associated with the liver. This brief article is going to cover some conventional knowledge about three major and most common diseases that can affect the liver.

First of all there is jaundice. Yellow Jaundice is a diseased state in which bile accumulates in the blood stream and colors all the body tissues yellow. This is number one noted in the whites of the eyes, but eventually it covers the entire body and may even be noticable in urine and perspiration which may have a yellowish tint. This infirmity is usually caused by one of these three situations. Firstly, it may be an inherited condition involving the spleen. Secondly, it may be due to gallstones blocking the duct from the liver. Thirdly, it may be caused by a liver infection commonly known as Hepatitis.

Uncovering the exact cause of jaundice may be a very laborious task even for the most learned physicians. Besides requiring an accurate and lengthy history, a detailed examination is necessary along with numerous laboratory tests to confirm or dispel all possibilities. We should conceive that only the physician is qualified to determine the extremely resolute symptoms of this condition. Though its basis may be deeply rooted, jaundice is often relieved through splendid medical treatment. Do not self medicate for this affliction as delays in getting treatment may actually contribute in worsening of the condition.

The second disease that may harm the liver is Hepatitis. Hepatitis is often caused by a viral attack on the liver in which painful swelling of the organ may be felt on the right side of the body. It has a long course of recovery and full recovery is not guaranteed, although innumerable patients do recover fully. The diagnostics of hepatitis has a decelerate onset and therefore, immense for early detection. It is usually accompanied by the usual fever, a distinct loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Jaundice also frequently occurs with hepatitis, a disease which demands the very finest of medical care.

The third infirmity that is commonly known to detriment the liver is the cirrhosis of the liver. Although it is one of the most common liver diseases, it is also one of the most poorly understood. The liver has a roughened, hobnail emergence which was formerly thought to be the direct sequence of chronic alcoholism. As its causation still remains a mystery, it may exist undetected for bounteous years.

Occasionally, swelling of the abdomen from an accumulation of watery fluids within may arouse the patient's suspicion that something is wrong. At other times, sudden vomiting of large amounts of blood from a ruptured, enlarged vein within the stomach is the prime indication of affliction. In the later stages of cirrhosis, blood cannot circulate easily through the liver and is forced to procure and build cutting-edge channels through which to flow. Excessive veins can then be discernible on the surface of the abdomen and the skin covering the chest wall of these individuals. Cirrhosis usually is diagnosed after it has existed a long time, and is then considered incurable but physicians can usually prolong life comfortably through medication, blood transfusions, diet and other measures.

The liver is one of our most vital organs. Therefore, a nourishing lifestyle and diet is vital in preventing these life threatening diseases. Continued study of liver functions and diseases are being carried out constantly in many medical research programs in the hope of providing patients with a better quality of life.