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Liver disease is categorized
both by the cause and the effect it has on the liver. Causes
may include infection, injury, exposure to drugs or toxic
compounds, an autoimmune process, or a genetic defect (such
as hemochromatosis).
These causes can lead to hepatitis, cirrhosis, stones that
develop and form blockages, fatty liver, and in rare
instances liver cancer. Genetic defects can prevent vital
liver functions and lead to the deposition and build-up of
damaging substances, such as iron or copper.
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Another important symptom is light colored stool. Due to the
lack of bile production, the stool will appear light and can
be gray colored or pale.
Distention and bloating can be considered as another
symptoms to watch out for and can cause a pain during
breathing. Polyuria or excess urination and polydypsia or
excess thirst are the other symptoms typical of the liver
disease.
Alcoholic liver disease has symptoms like loss of appetite,
nausea, swollen abdomen, jaundice, abdominal pain, weight
gain, mental confusion, excessive thirst, dry mouth and
fatigue. Additional symptoms include vomiting blood or
black, paleness, light-headedness or fainting, fluctuating
mood and altered level of consciousness.
Liver cancer has symptoms that include weight loss and loss
of appetite. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue,
accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, enlarged liver, change
of color (yellowing) of the skin and the whites of the eyes
are also noticed. Bile duct obstruction has symptoms like
pale stools, dark urine, abdominal pain, jaundice, vomiting,
nausea and fever. |
