Liver disease can affect anyone

All content is checked by medical journalists.

MunichWhen it comes to a sick liver, most people think of alcohol abuse. Alcohol is just one of the many causes of fatty liver, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Those who only drink alcohol in moderation are far from being on the safe side. “Liver diseases can affect anyone” is the message for the German Liver Day on November 20th.

The German Liver Foundation estimates that more than five million people in Germany have a sick liver. Many sufferers do not know anything about it - because the liver suffers silently. Symptoms often only appear at an advanced stage, which is why diseases such as fatty liver and subsequent liver cirrhosis, but also liver cancer, are often only recognized late.

Risk for fat eaters

In addition to alcohol, other risk factors for fatty liver disease are, for example, heavy food and obesity. Because the liver is, in addition to many other tasks, also a storage organ. If too many fatty acids circulate in the blood, the liver stores too large amounts - it becomes fatty. At some point the cells overloaded with fat perish. The organ becomes scarred and is less and less able to fulfill its numerous tasks. Ultimately, cirrhosis of the liver develops.

Viruses that cause liver inflammation called hepatitis are another risk to the liver. While hepatitis A usually heals without consequences, hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer in the long term.

Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through body fluids such as blood, blood plasma, semen, or vaginal secretions. This can happen during sex, but also through non-sterile needles when piercing or tattooing or through other contact with blood. Medical personnel are therefore particularly at risk of becoming infected. While there are already vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, a vaccination against hepatitis C is still being worked on.

Others overwhelm their livers with too many drugs. Above all, painkillers that are perceived as harmless are poison for the organ in the long term.

Regenerative fatty liver

Annual liver tests by a doctor provide certainty about the condition of the liver. If the problems are recognized, at least one fatty liver can regenerate itself excellently in many cases - just a few weeks, in which you avoid alcohol and lavish food as much as possible, are enough for your organ to fully recover. (cf)

Source: Press release German Liver Foundation November 10, 2014

Tags:  foot care organ systems dental care