1. What is liver disease?
Liver disease refers to any condition that affects the normal functioning of the liver. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, genetic factors, alcohol consumption, obesity, and more.
2. What are the common symptoms of liver disease?
Common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain and swelling, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, and unexplained weight loss.
3. How is liver disease diagnosed?
Liver disease can be diagnosed through various tests including blood tests (liver function tests), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), biopsy, and elastography (measuring liver stiffness). These tests help determine the cause, severity, and type of liver disease.
4. What is a liver function test (LFT)?
Liver function tests are blood tests that measure various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced by the liver. Abnormal levels can indicate liver damage or dysfunction.
5. What is a liver biopsy?
A liver biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. It helps diagnose the type and severity of liver disease, as well as assess the degree of liver damage.
6. What is fibroscan or elastography?
Fibroscan or elastography is a non-invasive method used to assess the stiffness of the liver. It helps in determining the extent of liver fibrosis (scarring) without the need for a biopsy.
7. Can liver disease be prevented?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent liver disease. These include avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing safe sex to prevent hepatitis transmission, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
8. What are the common types of liver disease?
Common types include fatty liver disease, hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E), cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and hemochromatosis. Each type has its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
9. How is liver disease treated?
Treatment depends on the specific type and cause of liver disease. It may involve lifestyle changes, medications, antiviral therapies (for hepatitis), managing underlying conditions, and in severe cases, a liver transplant.
10. What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by various forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as chronic alcoholism and hepatitis. It can lead to liver failure and other complications.
11. Is liver disease reversible?
The reversibility of liver disease depends on the cause and severity. Some forms of liver damage, such as fatty liver disease, can be reversible with lifestyle changes. However, advanced cirrhosis might be irreversible and may require a liver transplant.