By Dr Joel Enejeta
The liver is a delicate organ in the body. It involves in metabolism of many substances in the body such as food substances and drugs. Damage to the liver is as a result of infections, alcohol and drug abuse and many others.
If the damage to the liver parenchyma is extensive, it loses its metabolic function as a result of this, a harmful substance accumulates in the body which disrupts normal haemodynamic system and disease sets in.
The liver is a single organ and should well be taken care of.
MAJOR CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASE
Some of the main causes of liver damage include the following;
- Infection with hepatitis virus such as hepatitis B and C
- Excessive accumulation of iron in the body (haemochromatosis which is an inherited disorder)
- Chronic/long-term alcohol intake
- Malnutrition especially in children
- Drug overdose such as paracetamol overdose
- Some herbal medications
- Ingestion of poisonous substances
- Ingestion of poisonous wild mushrooms etc
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DISEASE
The early symptoms of liver failure are constitutional and because of this, diagnosis is difficult. The early symptoms include;
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
However, as liver damage progresses, the signs and symptoms becomes obvious. They include;
- Jaundice (yellowness of the eye)
- Bleeding disorders
- Ascites leading to swollen abdomen
- Mental disorientation as a result of hepatic encephalopathy
- Sleepiness
PREVENTION OF LIVER DAMAGE/FAILURE
The following can prevent the occurrence of liver failure.
- Eat a balanced diet containing all the various classes of food nutrient.
- Reduce the intake of alcohol i.e take alcohol moderately. Excessive alcohol can lead to fatty liver and cirrhosis.
- Get a hepatitis vaccine to prevent been infected with hepatitis virus
- Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands after using the toilet because some of the hepatitis virus are transmitted through the feco-oral route.
- Do not take alcohol with drugs.
- Avoid the unnecessary intake of drugs.
- Do not handle any blood or blood products carelessly.
- Don’t share personal toiletries such as toothbrush, towels, razor blades etc.
- Don’t share needles when you use intravenous drugs like those seen in drug abusers.
- Always use protection when having sex for fun.