At nearly 3 pounds, the liver is the largest gland in the body. Blood is carried to the liver by way of an artery that holds processed food. The liver breaks down fat, produces urine, turns glucose to glycogen and filters the blood. Liver-related problems include cirrhosis, cancer and hepatitis. Certain medications also can affect liver functions.
Cirrhosis
The liver can become deteriorated over time through constant alcohol abuse or obesity, resulting in a condition known as cirrhosis. Healthy liver cells become scarred and ineffective, causing the liver to malfunction. Side effects of cirrhosis include an inability to control infections because of the liver's failure to filter the blood. Bile production ceases and the body cannot make the proteins needed to clot blood properly. Advanced cirrhosis of the liver is fatal.
Medications
Diabetes medications such as Avandia and Rezulin, used to treat type 2 diabetes, can cause liver problems. Serzone, a medication used to treat depression, has been known to cause serious liver damage with symptoms that include nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and frequent urination problems. The skin and eyes can become jaundiced and patients can lose extensive weight.
Cancer
Liver cancer can either start in the gland or spread to the liver from other areas of the body. Cancer commonly spreads to the liver from the lungs, breasts and colon. Treatment varies when the cancer originates in the liver or is metastasized from another area. Surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy often are used to treat metastasized cancer of the liver.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus and results in acute liver disease. It is usually transmitted by minute amounts of fecal matter that get into the liver. The hepatitis B virus is passed on through dirty needles or through body fluids in the form of a sexually transmitted disease. When treated, hepatitis B can be cured in a few weeks. Left untreated, it can result in chronic liver disease. Hepatitis C is the most serious form, and is typically caused by contaminated needles used by drug addicts. Its consequences almost always result in permanent liver damage.
Gas
Those who have liver problems often experience severe gas and bloating. This is caused by the impaired digestion system and the improper absorption of certain vital nutrients. Gas is particularly prevalent in those who have liver disease as a result of alcohol abuse. Various medications used to treat liver disease also can cause gas. Eliminating foods such as dairy, beans, fried food and dried fruit can help alleviate excess flatulence.
Tags: liver disease, used treat, alcohol abuse, have liver, hepatitis virus, liver damage