What is liver injury and what is its treatment?

What is Liver Injury?

Liver injury refers to any damage to the liver caused by toxins, infections, trauma, or diseases. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) and may lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

Common Causes of Liver Injury:

1. Medications & Toxins – Overuse of drugs like acetaminophen (paracetamol), alcohol, or exposure to harmful chemicals.
2. Infections – Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E).
3. Autoimmune Diseases – Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis where the immune system attacks the liver.
4. Metabolic Disorders – Such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or Wilson’s disease.
5. Physical Trauma – Accidents or injuries that damage the liver directly.

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Symptoms of Liver Injury

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Pain or swelling in the upper right abdomen
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Easy bruising or bleeding

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Treatment of Liver Injury

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the injury:

1. Medications & Toxic Injury

• Acetaminophen overdose → N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as an antidote.
• Alcohol-induced damage → Stopping alcohol, hydration, and supportive care.
• Toxin exposure → Removal of the toxin and liver-protective medications.

2. Viral Infections (Hepatitis-related)

• Hepatitis B & C → Antiviral drugs like tenofovir, entecavir (for Hep B), sofosbuvir (for Hep C).
• Hepatitis A & E → Usually self-limiting, managed with rest and hydration.

3. Autoimmune Liver Diseases

• Corticosteroids (Prednisone) and immunosuppressants to control the immune response.

4. Fatty Liver Disease & Metabolic Disorders

• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet (low fat and sugar).
• Medications for underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.

5. Trauma or Physical Injury

• Minor injuries → Close monitoring and pain management.
• Severe liver trauma → Surgery or even a liver transplant in extreme cases.

6. Liver Transplant

In severe cases of liver failure, a liver transplant may be required if the damage is irreversible.

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How to Protect Your Liver?

• Avoid excessive alcohol and painkillers like acetaminophen in high doses.
• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.
• Eat a healthy diet (low-fat, rich in fruits and vegetables).
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid sharing needles or unsafe blood transfusions.

 

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