Inflammation of the Liver – Causes

An inflammation of the liver can cause a wide range of symptoms, from moderate to severe, which might manifest all of a sudden or build up over time.

A person who has liver inflammation will have a variety of symptoms, some of which include  uneasiness, weakness, fatigue, and jaundice. In addition, it is not uncommon for a patient to encounter symptoms related to their gastrointestinal system. In the absence of treatment, liver inflammation has the potential to develop into a condition that poses a greater risk to the patient’s life.

The treatment for liver enlargement takes into account both the underlying cause of the condition and the severity of any liver damage that has occurred. Medical intervention at an early stage can considerably reduce the risk of scarring produced by chronic inflammation of the liver, and it can even restore the normal function of the liver.

The treatment plan often consists of a mix of prescribed medications to be taken at specific intervals over a predetermined amount of time, as well as a healthy diet and way of life.

It is also recommended that those who suffer from this ailment abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages, as these are known to irritate the liver.

What happens when there is inflammation in the liver?

When the tissues and cells of a specific region of the body are damaged or attacked by something, typically a pathogen, this can lead to inflammation in that region.

When the liver becomes inflamed, it is because some form of infection, such as a virus, bacteria, or toxic substance, is attacking the organ or the cells that make up the liver. This causes the affected area to be painful and enlarged.

The inflammation of the liver has a substantial impact on a variety of processes occurring within the body.
For example, the liver plays a significant part in digestion, particularly in the production of bile, which is responsible for the breakdown of fats.

Additionally, it has a role in the storage of fats and is involved in the production of cholesterol as well as its release.
Additionally, the liver is responsible for the generation of hormones, the elimination of toxins from the bloodstream, and the synthesis of proteins that are necessary for blood coagulation.

When the liver is inflamed, each of these processes is impacted in some way.

What causes liver inflammation?

Hepatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the liver, which can occur for a number of reasons.
There are a number of risk factors that can put a person at risk for developing hepatitis. If the inflammation has been present for less than six months, the condition is referred to as acute. On the other hand, it is considered chronic if it has been present for more than six months.

The following are some of the factors that may be responsible for the enlargement of the liver:

Misuse of alcohol

Abuse of alcohol is the leading cause of scarring and inflammation of the liver (also known as hepatitis) (cirrhosis).
The results of alcohol consumption are toxic to the cells of the liver and will, in the long run, cause damage to the organ. Abuse of alcohol can lead to a condition known as alcoholic hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver.

Infection due to a virus

There are other viruses that can also be the cause of inflammation of the liver.
These viruses are capable of causing hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, all of which are extremely contagious diseases.
However, in order for a person to get hepatitis D or E, they must have have been diagnosed with one of the types A, B, or C of the disease at some point in their lives.

Drugs can have adverse effects

There are some medications and substances that might create unfavorable effects on the liver, which can then result in inflammation.
This could be a side effect of either therapeutic or recreational drug use.
The severity of liver damage is proportional to the amount of the offending drug that has been used as well as the length of time that it has been used.

Various other infections

Inflammation of the liver has been linked to severe bacterial and amoebic infections, as well as exposure to some fungal toxins.

Systemic or autoimmune disorders

One of the potential side effects of a systemic illness, which is characterized by unusually high levels of liver enzymes and a malfunctioning liver, is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation of the liver has been linked to autoimmune illnesses as well.
When this occurs, it is because the body’s immune system is destroying liver cells in error.

If the inflammation has become chronic or has been present for more than six months, getting medical treatment as soon as possible can dramatically reduce the risk of liver damage that cannot be reversed.

Signs and symptoms for liver inflammation

The fact that the liver can continue to operate normally even while it is under stress makes it somewhat difficult to diagnose hepatic inflammation in its initial stages. This might cause symptoms that are either very minor or none at all.

However, the following are some of the most prominent signs that people should be on the lookout for:

Fatigue

Reduction or absence of appetite

Unexpected and unexpected weight reduction

Symptoms of abdominal distention or bloating

Pain in the joints and muscles

Dull ache located on the upper right side of the abdomen

Malaise

Mild case of fever

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Some people experience very severe manifestations of these symptoms, which compels them to seek emergency medical attention. This is the typical course of events when acute hepatitis is present.

However, if these symptoms go ignored, the inflammation will become considerably worse and will cause the following:

Jaundice, a condition characterized by a yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Severe tiredness

A severe ache in the middle of the stomach that spreads to the shoulder.

Aching pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen

Problems with walking

Vomiting black substance or even blood

Hallucinations and confusion.

Inflammation of the liver can cause damage that is irreversible and possibly lead to the failure of the liver.
This is the reason why one should not disregard the symptoms.

Liver Inflammation – Treatment

The treatment for this ailment is determined on the source of the condition and the degree to which the liver has been damaged.

Taking antiviral medicine may be necessary in this case if hepatitis viruses are the root cause of the issue.
In cases of liver damage that is irreparable, a liver transplant is the only treatment option left.
Naturally, this ought to go hand in hand with leading a healthy lifestyle, consuming nutritionally rich food and drinks, and abstaining from consuming alcoholic beverages.

Authoritative Clinical References

Liver inflammation and Fibrosis – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28045404/

Alcoholic Liver Disease – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546632/