The liver is the largest internal organ located under your right rib cage. Its primary function is to act as a filtration system that removes harmful substances in your body. Your liver also aids in the digestion of food by releasing bile and stores sugar used by your body to produce energy. Due to the essential role the liver plays, giving it the care it requires is essential. Through simple private blood tests, Bromley-based individuals can monitor the health of their liver to avoid developing severe liver issues.
Common Liver Disease Symptoms
Liver problems do not always have noticeable manifestations and tend to progress silently. However, common early signs of developing liver disease to watch out for may include the following:
- Chronic fatigue or a general feeling of unwellness
- Jaundice or yellowing of eyes and skin
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dark urine or pale stool colour
Consult your doctor for any persistent symptoms to avoid worsening the problem.
Types of Liver Disease
A host of factors can burden our liver and prevent it from doing its job efficiently, leading to liver damage or disease such as:
Infection
Liver infection caused by viruses and parasites can be transmitted through blood, semen, polluted water or contaminated food or through close contact with an infected person. Viruses attack the liver and lead to inflammation and impaired organ function. Common types of liver infection are:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
Immune system malfunction
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system or white blood cells destroys your liver cells. Examples are:
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Genetics
An irregularity in the genes you inherit from one or both of your parents can cause substances to build up in your liver. Genetic liver diseases that damages the organ are:
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson’s disease
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Liver Growths and Cancer
When there is abnormal cell growth in the liver, it can lead to serious liver diseases such as:
- Liver cancer
- Bile duct cancer
- Liver adenoma
Other typical causes of liver complications are:
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Fat buildup in the liver, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Certain over-the-counter or prescription medication
- Certain herbal mixtures
Your liver is a resilient organ capable of regenerating itself. By regularly monitoring the health of your liver through private blood tests, Bromley residents can keep a close eye on the health of their liver. This goes hand in hand with adopting positive lifestyle changes such as eating well and exercising frequently. Take a step closer to wellness by contacting Touchwood Pharmacy for your blood testing needs.
