What is liver disease?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Liver disease refers to pathological changes occurring in the liver, including various types such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and others. It is a common and highly harmful disease. In daily life, to prevent the occurrence of liver disease, timely vaccination against hepatitis B should be administered to reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection.

Generally, liver disease refers to pathological changes occurring in the liver. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Liver disease encompasses various types including hepatitis B, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and others. Symptoms of liver disease are diverse and may include gastrointestinal manifestations such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite; systemic symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, and chronic tiredness; as well as other symptoms including skin itching, dark-colored urine, pale-colored stools, and skin bruising.

In daily life, to prevent the occurrence of liver disease, it is important to receive timely hepatitis B vaccination to reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection; maintain food hygiene and avoid consuming contaminated or spoiled food to prevent viral infections such as hepatitis A; and control alcohol consumption to avoid excessive drinking, which can damage the liver. Appropriate preventive measures can reduce the risk of liver disease and help maintain liver health.

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Can cirrhosis be detected by ultrasound?

In general, liver cirrhosis can be diagnosed through ultrasound examination, but whether a definitive diagnosis can be made depends on the specific circumstances. In daily life, individuals with high-risk factors for liver disease should undergo regular ultrasound examinations to monitor changes in liver morphology. If abnormalities are detected on ultrasound, timely medical consultation is necessary, and further tests should be completed according to the doctor's recommendations.

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What is the difference between alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis?

In general, although alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis both belong to liver diseases, they differ in causes, extent of pathological changes, clinical manifestations, treatment focus, and prognosis. It is important in daily life to pay attention to liver health, avoid long-term and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergo regular liver function tests and liver ultrasound examinations to detect liver abnormalities early and initiate timely intervention.

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Can you still drink alcohol if you have alcoholic liver disease?

In general, whether a person with alcoholic liver disease can drink alcohol depends on the severity of the condition. Individuals with mild alcoholic liver disease must strictly abstain from alcohol during treatment and recovery. Those with severe alcoholic liver disease must completely avoid alcohol, regardless of whether they are undergoing treatment or in the recovery phase. Patients should maintain proper daily care, including strict abstinence from alcohol and adherence to a light, easily digestible diet.

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Can ascites due to liver disease be detected by ultrasound (B-ultrasound)?

In general, hepatic ascites refers to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity caused by liver disease. Whether B-ultrasound can detect hepatic ascites depends on the individual patient's specific condition. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Before the examination, patients should fast or hold urine as instructed by the doctor to reduce interference from intestinal gas or urine on the results. If no ascites is detected on the initial B-ultrasound but symptoms such as abdominal distension or lower limb edema are present, further evaluation may be necessary.