What causes abnormal liver function, and is it serious?

Generally, abnormal liver function may be caused by factors such as excessive fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, or autoimmune hepatitis. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The severity of abnormal liver function depends on its specific underlying cause. If the abnormality is caused by physiological factors, it may not be serious; however, if it is caused by pathological factors, it could be more severe. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Causes of Abnormal Liver Function

1. Excessive Fatigue

Extended periods of work or excessive mental stress can lead to physical fatigue, which in turn affects the liver's normal metabolic function. As a key detoxifying organ in the body, the liver cannot function optimally under conditions of fatigue, leading to abnormal liver function. It is important to maintain a reasonable balance between work and rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a pleasant mood.

2. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver. Excessive alcohol intake increases the burden on the liver and can damage liver cells, leading to abnormal liver function. It is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation, and ideally avoid long-term or heavy drinking.

3. Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is commonly caused by obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and other conditions. Excessive fat accumulation in the liver can damage liver cells and impair normal liver function. Symptoms may include pain in the liver area and loss of appetite. Treatment options may include medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, silymarin capsules, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, under a doctor's guidance.

4. Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is caused by viral infection and may lead to liver cell damage and abnormal liver function. Symptoms may include jaundice and fatigue. Patients may take medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate injections according to medical advice.

5. Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a parenchymal liver inflammation mediated by an autoimmune response targeting liver cells, which can lead to liver damage and abnormal liver function. Symptoms may include fever, rash, and joint pain. Patients may take medications such as prednisone tablets, azathioprine tablets, and ursodeoxycholic acid tablets under medical guidance.

II. Is Abnormal Liver Function Serious?

If liver function abnormalities are mildly elevated due to physiological factors—for example, heavy alcohol consumption over a short period, certain medications, or excessive fatigue—the liver function indicators usually do not exceed twice the upper limit of the normal range. Once these triggers are removed, liver function typically returns to normal gradually. Similarly, mild fatty liver disease or drug-induced liver injury can usually be resolved without causing severe liver damage when appropriate treatment is administered promptly.

However, if the liver function abnormalities are caused by serious diseases such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, or cirrhosis, the condition may be more severe. In such cases, indicators such as bilirubin and transaminase levels may significantly increase, exceeding the normal upper limit by several times. Patients may develop severe symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, bleeding tendencies, and impaired consciousness, which can even be life-threatening.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, balance work and rest appropriately, and avoid excessive fatigue. At the same time, maintain a balanced diet and consume adequate amounts of foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins to prevent malnutrition.