Lowdown on Hepatic Diseases
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The liver is a vital organ that performs numerous essential functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. Unfortunately, the liver is also susceptible to many diseases, ranging from acute infections to chronic conditions. One of the most common hepatic diseases is viral hepatitis, caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. These viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice. While some forms of viral hepatitis are acute and self-limited, others can progress to chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Another prevalent hepatic disease is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver. NAFLD is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, and it can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and even liver failure in severe cases. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a subtype of NAFLD characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage and is considered a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality.
Alcoholic liver disease is another type of hepatic disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, inflammation, and cirrhosis, which can ultimately progress to liver failure. The severity of alcoholic liver disease depends on various factors, such as the amount and duration of alcohol consumption and the presence of other comorbidities. Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare but serious hepatic disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and damage. The cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown, but it is more common in women and may be associated with genetic, environmental, or viral factors.