What is liver disease?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, causes of liver disease may include excessive alcohol consumption, improper use of medications, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. To prevent the development of liver disease, it is recommended to avoid long-term heavy alcohol consumption in daily life to protect liver health. Additionally, regular liver function tests should be conducted to promptly detect and address liver issues.

Generally, causes of liver disease may include excessive alcohol consumption, improper use of medications, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can increase the burden on the liver, damage liver cells, and subsequently lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis. It is advisable to drink alcohol in moderation or abstain from it altogether, maintain healthy dietary habits, and undergo regular liver function tests.

2. Improper Use of Medications

Long-term or excessive use of certain medications, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can damage the liver and lead to drug-induced hepatitis. Medications should be taken strictly as prescribed by a physician, avoiding self-adjustment of dosages or misuse of drugs.

3. Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver may be caused by metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Fat accumulates in the liver, impairing its normal function. Symptoms may include discomfort in the liver area, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Treatment may include medications such as atorvastatin calcium tablets, rosuvastatin calcium tablets, and silymarin capsules, as directed by a physician.

4. Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic hepatitis may be associated with long-term heavy alcohol consumption. Alcohol exerts direct toxic effects on liver cells, leading to liver cell injury and necrosis. Symptoms may include jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment may include medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and Anluohuaxian pills, under the guidance of a physician.

5. Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and damage to the liver. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain. Treatment may involve medications such as prednisone tablets, azathioprine tablets, and entecavir dispersible tablets, as recommended by a physician.

To prevent the development of liver disease, it is recommended to avoid long-term heavy alcohol consumption in daily life to protect liver health. Regular liver function tests should also be conducted to detect and address liver problems promptly.

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What does it mean if only alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is elevated?

In general, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) alone may be caused by factors such as intense physical exercise, staying up late, fatigue, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, or viral hepatitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, alcohol consumption should be avoided, intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods reduced, and liver function tests performed regularly.

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Why do patients with liver disease experience skin itching, and what should be done about it?

In general, skin itching in patients with liver disease may be caused by factors such as dry skin, cholestasis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or autoimmune liver diseases. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to keep the skin moisturized and clean, and avoid harmful irritants. Patients should also adhere to prescribed treatments for liver disease and undergo regular liver function check-ups.

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What does it mean when alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is high, and what should be done?

In general, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels may be caused by factors such as staying up late, fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or drug-induced liver injury. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息 habits and avoid staying up late or drinking alcohol; eat a balanced diet and reduce intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods; consult a doctor before taking any medication.

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What are the causes of elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)?

In general, elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels may be caused by factors such as a greasy diet, long-term alcohol consumption, biliary obstruction, viral hepatitis, or autoimmune liver disease. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain a light and balanced diet, avoid high-fat foods and alcohol; keep regular作息 and avoid staying up late to reduce the burden on the liver.