Liver injury refers to any impairment or damage to the liver, a vital organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen. The liver has numerous essential functions, including detoxifying harmful substances, producing bile to aid in digestion, storing vitamins and minerals, regulating blood clotting, and metabolizing nutrients and medications.
Liver injury encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions that vary in severity, ranging from mild inflammation to more severe forms such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. The causes of liver injury can be diverse, including viral infections (such as hepatitis viruses), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, certain medications, autoimmune disorders, genetic abnormalities, toxins, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Symptoms of liver injury may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, or pale stool. If left untreated, liver injury can result in long-term complications and even liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
The diagnosis of liver injury often involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function and inflammation markers, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and in some cases, a liver biopsy to evaluate the extent of damage.
Treatment for liver injury depends on the underlying cause and severity. It may involve lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption, antiviral medications, immune-suppressing drugs, or in severe cases, a liver transplant. Management of liver injury often requires comprehensive care from healthcare professionals specializing in hepatology (liver medicine).
