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July 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

There are several diseases of the liver that can cause a disruption to your digestive functions. Some of these are easily preventable; simply requiring a change in lifestyle habits. In most instances, early detection of liver diseases are helpful in avoid far reaching systemic consequences.

Liver diseases include:

1. Cirrhosis of the liver.

Cirrhosis of the liver is tantamount to a gradual decay and scarring of this organ because of hepatitis C or overindulgence of alcohol containing drinks. This condition is directly related to the sudden onset of uncontrolled bleeding of the veins found in the esophagus’ mucosa. A treatment procudure known as sclerotherapy is often required to heal the affected blood vessels.

2. Liver cancer.

Liver cancer develops via a metastasized tumor from the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer cells usually spread to the other parts of the gastrointestinal tract eventually, if not stopped.

3. Acute hepatitis of the liver.

Acute hepatitis of the liver may be caused by one of many factors; including alcohol consumption, a viral attack on the organ, several toxins that are occurring in nature or that are manmade, or prescription drugs. Its symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, accompanied by severe abdominal cramping. Masquerading as digestive system disorders of the stomach, it fortunately only requires a complete blood panel for a doctor to diagnose the liver problem.

4. Chronic hepatitis of the liver.

Chronic hepatitis of the liver is the other disease that has the power to cause digestive system disorders. This condition gradually worsens over time. Caused sometimes by alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis strains, but also autoimmune disorders, the most common digestive upset is that of the enlarged liver causing abdominal pain and stomach pressure. This may lead directly to irritation of the esophagus through an expression of stomach acid. Chronic hepatitis may be diagnosed with a blood panel and treatment options do exist.

5. Hemochromatosis.

Hemochromatosis is a rare form of liver disease which is hereditary. It is a disease that is adversely influenced by the ingestion of iron containing dietary supplements and can affect the metabolism of iron. This condition is directly linked to problems in the small intestines.

The above disorders must be investigated thoroughly, including the possible origination point that is the partnering organ for the gastrointestinal tract. A complete medical examination is advised.
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Jan

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Liver

January 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Learn how to identify liver disease symptoms as follows:

Changes in Bowel Movement. Pale or clay-coloured stools can be indicative of bile duct obstructions. If you experience increased stool frequency, it is also a warning sign. This sign is often witnessed by alcoholics and those with acute viral hepatitis.

Bleeding of Gums Or Nose. Acute or chronic liver conditions often produce bleeding in the gums or nose. The severity of bleeding is related to the degree of hepatic compensation.

Altered Sense Of Taste and Smell. Altered taste is probably the reason for aversion to smoking in acute viral hepatitis and other liver ailments. Zinc and vitamin E supplementation can help improve taste sensation among patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, although the reasons why are not fully understood.

Changes in Body Weight. Sudden weight loss usually accompanies a chronic liver condition. The mechanisms may include anorexia, an accelerated metabolism, or early satiety due to the pressure exerted by ascites (an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the stomach). If you experience an abrupt weight loss, it may suggest development of complications, such as infections or malignancies. For instance, end-stage liver disease is often associated with loss of muscle mass and adipose tissue.

Fatigue. Sometimes, fatigue is the only symptom in patients with chronic liver conditions. The fatigue tends to worsen later in the day and as the disease progresses. Fatigue fades with improvements in the liver disease.

Fever. Fever is a frequent and common symptom accompanying liver disease. The fever may induce chills, and it may be indicative of hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated body temperatures also result from hepatitis, whether acute viral, alcoholic, or the drug-induced variety.

Jaundice. Jaundice alludes to the yellowish condition of the skin caused by deposition of bilirubin. You may notice it yourself, or your family members or friends may point it out to you.

Mental Disorientation and Sleep Disturbance. If you experience sleepiness in daytime and insomnia at night, your disease may be in advanced state. Disturbed sleep occurs in early hepatic encephalopathy. As the severity of encephalopathy increases, you may suffer mental confusion, delayed response to various stimuli, stupor, and eventually, coma. Early symptoms of liver disease also include short attention span, intellectual deterioration, and inability to solve mental problems. –>

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