As the body's second-largest organ, the liver performs various functions related to digestion and immunity. Every year on April 19, World Liver Day is observed to raise awareness about liver infections. Experts commemorate this day to encourage people to live a safe lifestyle and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Hepatitis, alcohol, and medications may cause liver disease if not treated promptly. Most notably, viral hepatitis develops due to ingesting infected food or water, and substance abuse can result in liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Medscape said chronic liver disease and cirrhosis cause around 35,000 deaths in the United States each year. Cirrhosis is the ninth most common cause of death in the United States, accounting for 1.2 percent of all deaths in the nation.
Classic Symptoms of Liver Disease
Nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and jaundice are all common signs of liver disease, according to Express.co.uk.
Fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss are also possible, according to the news report.
Fatigue and weakness
GI Society told the news website that fatigue is a common symptom identified by people with liver disease (hepatitis). That is regardless of whether the hepatitis is caused by a virus, excessive alcohol or fat intake, or inherited disease.
"The associated fatigue may be intermittent or constant, mild or debilitating," it said.
According to the GI Society, there is no connection between the severity of liver disease and fatigue severity.
It added that people with mild liver disease might feel completely exhausted. In contrast, people with serious liver disease may not feel tired at all, or vice versa.
Experts investigated fatigue and weakness in liver disease further in a report published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
The study, titled "Fatigue in Liver Disease: Pathophysiology and Clinical Management," said fatigue is the most common symptom identified by patients with liver disease.
"Although the underlying pathogenesis of fatigue in liver disease is still poorly defined, it appears to involve changes in central neurotransmission, which result from signaling between the diseased liver and the brain," noted the study.
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a significant drop in body weight that occurs despite the individual not attempting to lose weight.
Unexplained weight loss may be a sign of a serious illness.
Diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes have had little impact on weight loss.
Unexpected weight loss of 10 pounds or 5% of body weight over six to twelve months is considered unexplained.
Some people develop a fatty liver disease or hepatitis without having any other health problems.
These risk factors, on the other hand, make you more likely to get it:
- Obesity or overweight;
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance;
- Metabolic syndromes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels;
- Certain prescription medications.
Liver Disease and COVID-19 Vaccine: Can Coronavirus Jab Harm Hepatitis Patients?
According to Oregon Clinic, there have been no vaccines - including anti-coronavirus jabs - that induce or exacerbate chronic liver disease. Healthcare professionals can still administer COVID-19 vaccines to hepatitis patients.
How to Protect Liver from Hepatitis?
The Cleaveland Clinic offers four suggestions for keeping your liver in good shape and prevent getting hepatitis:
- You should exercise at least five times a week, for at least 30 minutes each time;
- Reduce intaking refined sugars, processed foods, candy, sodas, and refined carbohydrates by following a balanced diet. Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber food;
- Drink moderately - no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women;
- Maintain a balanced body mass index (BMI).
Finally, keep in mind that alcoholism isn't the only cause of liver disease. To keep your liver safe, he recommends taking care of your body and managing chronic diseases.
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