Related Stories
- Natural ways to keep mature skin looking radiant and fresh in the Summer heat
- Lean on me
- Common kitchen ingredients for a healthy heart
- The cancers that everyone forgot
- Tango offers Parkinson’s sufferers relief
Most Popular
Notice (8): Undefined variable: most_viewed_stories [APP/views/stories/probus-display.ctp, line 49]Code | Context<?phpecho View::element('probus-stories-list', array('stories'=>$most_viewed_stories, 'mode'=>'most-popular','limit'=>4));$___viewFn = "/home/probus/domains/stagingblueplains/app-public/views/stories/probus-display.ctp" $___dataForView = array( "nextstoryurl" => "/ec099523", "publication" => array( "Story" => array(), "Publication" => array(), "Tag" => array(), "Tags" => array() ), "story_tagline" => "", "story" => array( "Story" => array(), "Publication" => array(), "Tag" => array(), "Tags" => array() ), "related_stories" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ) ) $loadHelpers = true $cached = false $cache = CacheHelper CacheHelper::$__replace = array CacheHelper::$__match = array CacheHelper::$cacheAction = NULL CacheHelper::$helpers = NULL CacheHelper::$base = "" CacheHelper::$webroot = "/" CacheHelper::$theme = NULL CacheHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" CacheHelper::$params = array CacheHelper::$action = "display" CacheHelper::$plugin = NULL CacheHelper::$data = NULL CacheHelper::$namedArgs = NULL CacheHelper::$argSeparator = NULL CacheHelper::$validationErrors = NULL CacheHelper::$tags = array CacheHelper::$__tainted = NULL CacheHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $authentication = AuthenticationHelper AuthenticationHelper::$sessionKey = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$helpers = array AuthenticationHelper::$view = View object AuthenticationHelper::$base = "" AuthenticationHelper::$webroot = "/" AuthenticationHelper::$theme = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" AuthenticationHelper::$params = array AuthenticationHelper::$action = "display" AuthenticationHelper::$plugin = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$data = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$namedArgs = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$argSeparator = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$validationErrors = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$tags = array AuthenticationHelper::$__tainted = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$__cleaned = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object $javascript = JavascriptHelper JavascriptHelper::$useNative = true JavascriptHelper::$enabled = true JavascriptHelper::$safe = false JavascriptHelper::$tags = array JavascriptHelper::$_blockOptions = array JavascriptHelper::$_cachedEvents = array JavascriptHelper::$_cacheEvents = false JavascriptHelper::$_cacheToFile = false JavascriptHelper::$_cacheAll = false JavascriptHelper::$_rules = array JavascriptHelper::$__scriptBuffer = NULL JavascriptHelper::$helpers = NULL JavascriptHelper::$base = "" JavascriptHelper::$webroot = "/" JavascriptHelper::$theme = NULL JavascriptHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" JavascriptHelper::$params = array JavascriptHelper::$action = "display" JavascriptHelper::$plugin = NULL JavascriptHelper::$data = NULL JavascriptHelper::$namedArgs = NULL JavascriptHelper::$argSeparator = NULL JavascriptHelper::$validationErrors = NULL JavascriptHelper::$__tainted = NULL JavascriptHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $eHtml = eHtmlHelper eHtmlHelper::$helpers = array eHtmlHelper::$viewVars = array eHtmlHelper::$tags = array eHtmlHelper::$_crumbs = array eHtmlHelper::$__includedScripts = array eHtmlHelper::$_scriptBlockOptions = array eHtmlHelper::$__docTypes = array eHtmlHelper::$base = "" eHtmlHelper::$webroot = "/" eHtmlHelper::$theme = NULL eHtmlHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" eHtmlHelper::$params = array eHtmlHelper::$action = "display" eHtmlHelper::$plugin = NULL eHtmlHelper::$data = NULL eHtmlHelper::$namedArgs = NULL eHtmlHelper::$argSeparator = NULL eHtmlHelper::$validationErrors = NULL eHtmlHelper::$__tainted = NULL eHtmlHelper::$__cleaned = NULL eHtmlHelper::$eForm = eFormHelper object eHtmlHelper::$javascript = JavascriptHelper object eHtmlHelper::$Authentication = AuthenticationHelper object $eJavascript = eJavascriptHelper eJavascriptHelper::$helpers = array eJavascriptHelper::$useNative = true eJavascriptHelper::$enabled = true eJavascriptHelper::$safe = false eJavascriptHelper::$tags = array eJavascriptHelper::$_blockOptions = array eJavascriptHelper::$_cachedEvents = array eJavascriptHelper::$_cacheEvents = false eJavascriptHelper::$_cacheToFile = false eJavascriptHelper::$_cacheAll = false eJavascriptHelper::$_rules = array eJavascriptHelper::$__scriptBuffer = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$base = "" eJavascriptHelper::$webroot = "/" eJavascriptHelper::$theme = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" eJavascriptHelper::$params = array eJavascriptHelper::$action = "display" eJavascriptHelper::$plugin = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$data = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$namedArgs = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$argSeparator = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$validationErrors = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$__tainted = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$__cleaned = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$eHtml = eHtmlHelper object $eForm = eFormHelper eFormHelper::$helpers = array eFormHelper::$fieldset = array eFormHelper::$__options = array eFormHelper::$fields = array eFormHelper::$requestType = NULL eFormHelper::$defaultModel = NULL eFormHelper::$_inputDefaults = array eFormHelper::$base = "" eFormHelper::$webroot = "/" eFormHelper::$theme = NULL eFormHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" eFormHelper::$params = array eFormHelper::$action = "display" eFormHelper::$plugin = NULL eFormHelper::$data = NULL eFormHelper::$namedArgs = NULL eFormHelper::$argSeparator = NULL eFormHelper::$validationErrors = NULL eFormHelper::$tags = array eFormHelper::$__tainted = NULL eFormHelper::$__cleaned = NULL eFormHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $tagCloud = TagCloudHelper TagCloudHelper::$helpers = array TagCloudHelper::$base = "" TagCloudHelper::$webroot = "/" TagCloudHelper::$theme = NULL TagCloudHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" TagCloudHelper::$params = array TagCloudHelper::$action = "display" TagCloudHelper::$plugin = NULL TagCloudHelper::$data = NULL TagCloudHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TagCloudHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TagCloudHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TagCloudHelper::$tags = array TagCloudHelper::$__tainted = NULL TagCloudHelper::$__cleaned = NULL TagCloudHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $html = HtmlHelper HtmlHelper::$tags = array HtmlHelper::$_crumbs = array HtmlHelper::$__includedScripts = array HtmlHelper::$_scriptBlockOptions = array HtmlHelper::$__docTypes = array HtmlHelper::$helpers = NULL HtmlHelper::$base = "" HtmlHelper::$webroot = "/" HtmlHelper::$theme = NULL HtmlHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" HtmlHelper::$params = array HtmlHelper::$action = "display" HtmlHelper::$plugin = NULL HtmlHelper::$data = NULL HtmlHelper::$namedArgs = NULL HtmlHelper::$argSeparator = NULL HtmlHelper::$validationErrors = NULL HtmlHelper::$__tainted = NULL HtmlHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $form = FormHelper FormHelper::$helpers = array FormHelper::$fieldset = array FormHelper::$__options = array FormHelper::$fields = array FormHelper::$requestType = NULL FormHelper::$defaultModel = NULL FormHelper::$_inputDefaults = array FormHelper::$base = "" FormHelper::$webroot = "/" FormHelper::$theme = NULL FormHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" FormHelper::$params = array FormHelper::$action = "display" FormHelper::$plugin = NULL FormHelper::$data = NULL FormHelper::$namedArgs = NULL FormHelper::$argSeparator = NULL FormHelper::$validationErrors = NULL FormHelper::$tags = array FormHelper::$__tainted = NULL FormHelper::$__cleaned = NULL FormHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $session = SessionHelper SessionHelper::$helpers = array SessionHelper::$__active = true SessionHelper::$valid = false SessionHelper::$error = false SessionHelper::$_userAgent = "8611eabdb1aa7cc20f419da71363daa3" SessionHelper::$path = "/" SessionHelper::$lastError = NULL SessionHelper::$security = "medium" SessionHelper::$time = 1749837672 SessionHelper::$sessionTime = 1749849672 SessionHelper::$cookieLifeTime = false SessionHelper::$watchKeys = array SessionHelper::$id = NULL SessionHelper::$host = NULL SessionHelper::$timeout = NULL SessionHelper::$base = "" SessionHelper::$webroot = "/" SessionHelper::$here = "/6c96c4d8/Liver_disease" SessionHelper::$params = array SessionHelper::$action = "display" SessionHelper::$data = NULL SessionHelper::$theme = NULL SessionHelper::$plugin = NULL $nextstoryurl = "/ec099523" $publication = array( "Story" => array( "id" => "1736", "publication_id" => "2", "tag_id" => "57", "headline" => "Liver disease", "headline_home" => "Liver disease", "headline_index" => "Liver disease", "meta_keywords" => "probus, retire, health, liver", "home_spotlight" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_carousel.jpg", "home_spotlight_mini" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_tile.jpg", "home_feature" => "", "home_tag" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_thumbnail.jpg", "index_mini" => "", "index_result" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_thumbnail.jpg", "gallery" => null, "gallery_captions" => null, "gallery_hide" => "0", "embed_spotlight" => "0", "status" => "0", "published" => "2013-09-30 00:00:00", "byline" => "", "tagline" => null, "intro_short" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down.</p>", "intro_long" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver. </p>", "body" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver.</p> <p><img style="float: left; padding-right: 15px;" src="http://probussouthpacific.org/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_embed.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="293" />The principal role of the liver is to process food nutrients and clear toxins from the body.</p> <p>Fat accumulation and alcohol misuse are primary reasons for liver failure and damage to the organ.</p> <p>A disturbance of liver function, liver disease is also known as hepatic disease. It’s a broad term that covers all potential problems that cause the organ to fail.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Causes</h2> <p>The liver can be damaged due to a number of factors.</p> <p>Cells in the liver can become inflamed and bile flow can be obstructed. Cholesterol can also be a factor when it accumulates.</p> <p>The two main causes of liver disease include alcohol abuse and accumulation of fat. Other causes include hepatitis virus infections, toxic effect of medications and inherited abnormalities of the liver.</p> <p>Alcohol is toxic for the liver cells forcing them to break down and causing the liver to malfunction. It’s also the most preventable cause of liver disease.</p> <p>Another common cause is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The accumulation of fat within the liver causes inflammation and gradually decreases its function. </p> <h2>Signs and symptoms</h2> <p>There are a number of symptoms associated with liver disease – some physical and some internal. What’s important to note is that the onset of liver disease is gradual and there is no specific symptom that is associated with the illness.</p> <p>The most commonly experienced symptoms occur due to the inability to absorb fats. These include indigestion, reflux and intolerance to alcohol and fatty foods. Nausea and vomiting, bloating and constipation are also key symptoms.</p> <p>Some of the more quiet symptoms include depression, mood changes and poor concentration. Overheating of the body and recurrent headaches may also occur.</p> <p>Any unexplained fatigue, weakness and weight loss should prompt a visit to your medical professional as should jaundice.</p> <h2>Diagnosis</h2> <p>When diagnosing liver disease, doctors will generally ask about your medical history as well as physically examine you, as risk factors due to genetics and lifestyle are key to diagnosis.</p> <p>The doctor will also probably order blood tests as they assess liver inflammation and function. CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds may be used to visualise the liver and nearby organs. </p> <h2>Treatment</h2> <p>The best kind of treatment for all kinds of liver disease is to make lifestyle changes. Cut out alcohol, improve your diet and eliminate fatty foods, and increase all regular exercise.</p> <p>There is, of course, medicinal treatment for certain liver diseases but it’s always advised to see a doctor when it comes to any medication.</p> <p>In worse case scenarios when the liver is completely failing, a liver transplant is an option. </p>", "newsletter_name" => "", "printed" => null, "created" => "2013-09-30 16:19:16", "modified" => "2013-09-30 16:19:16", "url" => "6c96c4d8", "short_id" => "6c96c4d8", "url_part_2" => "Liver_disease", "total_views" => "733", "intro" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver.</p>", "publish_sort_date" => "2013-09-30", "_status" => "Offline" ), "Publication" => array( "id" => "2", "name" => "Probus Web", "folder" => "probus", "url" => "staging.probussouthpacific.org", "microsite_cms_url" => "stagingmicrosite.probussouthpacific.org", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_type_id" => "3", "home_spotlight_count" => "5", "home_spotlight_delay" => "5", "home_feature_count" => "0", "index_spotlight_count" => "3", "search_spotlight_count" => "3", "most_viewed_duration" => "14", "most_tagged_duration" => "14", "list_page_size" => "25", "home_ad1" => "88", "home_ad2" => "89", "home_ad3" => "", "home_ad4" => "", "story_ad1" => "", "story_ad2" => "", "story_ad3" => "", "story_ad4" => "", "button_ad1" => "66", "button_ad2" => "67", "button_ad3" => "", "button_ad4" => "", "button_ad5" => "", "leader_ad" => "", "smtp_port" => "465", "smtp_host" => "smtp.gmail.com", "smtp_username" => "[email protected]", "smtp_password" => "Qwert123$#", "smtp_type" => "ssl", "secure_widget" => "<h3>Quick Links</h3> <p> </p> <p>See <a title="PSPL Mail Outs" href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/pspl_correspondence">PSPL Mail Outs</a> for copies of letters sent by PSPL for the information of all Probus Club members. </p> <p> </p> <p>Club Management Committees can obtain contact details of Probus clubs by visiting this page. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_directory_lookup">Directory of Probus Clubs</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Access a range of material which can assist you with membership development for your club. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_membership_development">Membership Development Tools</a></p> <p> </p> <p>See PSPL’s latest annual report <a title="Click here." href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/about_pspl_annual_report">Click here.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>To access exclusive offers, visit the Probus <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_member_benefits_scheme">Member Benefits Scheme</a> page.</p> <p> </p> <p><span>If you want copies of reports, accounts templates or nomination forms for office bearers, you’ll find them here. </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_forms">Forms and Templates</a></p> <p> </p> <p><span>You'll find all your merchandise needs by visiting the </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/products/display/">Online Shop</a></p>", "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-10-06 15:18:14" ), "Tag" => array( "id" => "57", "tag_type_id" => "3", "publication_id" => "2", "name" => "Health", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_head_image" => "/probus/files/HealthEditBlue.jpg", "tag_ad1" => "92", "tag_ad2" => "93", "parent_id" => null, "private" => "0", "priority" => null, "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-11-21 16:21:27" ), "Tags" => array( array() ) ) $story_tagline = "" $story = array( "Story" => array( "id" => "1736", "publication_id" => "2", "tag_id" => "57", "headline" => "Liver disease", "headline_home" => "Liver disease", "headline_index" => "Liver disease", "meta_keywords" => "probus, retire, health, liver", "home_spotlight" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_carousel.jpg", "home_spotlight_mini" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_tile.jpg", "home_feature" => "", "home_tag" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_thumbnail.jpg", "index_mini" => "", "index_result" => "/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_thumbnail.jpg", "gallery" => null, "gallery_captions" => null, "gallery_hide" => "0", "embed_spotlight" => "0", "status" => "0", "published" => "2013-09-30 00:00:00", "byline" => "", "tagline" => null, "intro_short" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down.</p>", "intro_long" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver. </p>", "body" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver.</p> <p><img style="float: left; padding-right: 15px;" src="http://probussouthpacific.org/probus/files/Content/Liver_health_embed.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="293" />The principal role of the liver is to process food nutrients and clear toxins from the body.</p> <p>Fat accumulation and alcohol misuse are primary reasons for liver failure and damage to the organ.</p> <p>A disturbance of liver function, liver disease is also known as hepatic disease. It’s a broad term that covers all potential problems that cause the organ to fail.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Causes</h2> <p>The liver can be damaged due to a number of factors.</p> <p>Cells in the liver can become inflamed and bile flow can be obstructed. Cholesterol can also be a factor when it accumulates.</p> <p>The two main causes of liver disease include alcohol abuse and accumulation of fat. Other causes include hepatitis virus infections, toxic effect of medications and inherited abnormalities of the liver.</p> <p>Alcohol is toxic for the liver cells forcing them to break down and causing the liver to malfunction. It’s also the most preventable cause of liver disease.</p> <p>Another common cause is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The accumulation of fat within the liver causes inflammation and gradually decreases its function. </p> <h2>Signs and symptoms</h2> <p>There are a number of symptoms associated with liver disease – some physical and some internal. What’s important to note is that the onset of liver disease is gradual and there is no specific symptom that is associated with the illness.</p> <p>The most commonly experienced symptoms occur due to the inability to absorb fats. These include indigestion, reflux and intolerance to alcohol and fatty foods. Nausea and vomiting, bloating and constipation are also key symptoms.</p> <p>Some of the more quiet symptoms include depression, mood changes and poor concentration. Overheating of the body and recurrent headaches may also occur.</p> <p>Any unexplained fatigue, weakness and weight loss should prompt a visit to your medical professional as should jaundice.</p> <h2>Diagnosis</h2> <p>When diagnosing liver disease, doctors will generally ask about your medical history as well as physically examine you, as risk factors due to genetics and lifestyle are key to diagnosis.</p> <p>The doctor will also probably order blood tests as they assess liver inflammation and function. CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds may be used to visualise the liver and nearby organs. </p> <h2>Treatment</h2> <p>The best kind of treatment for all kinds of liver disease is to make lifestyle changes. Cut out alcohol, improve your diet and eliminate fatty foods, and increase all regular exercise.</p> <p>There is, of course, medicinal treatment for certain liver diseases but it’s always advised to see a doctor when it comes to any medication.</p> <p>In worse case scenarios when the liver is completely failing, a liver transplant is an option. </p>", "newsletter_name" => "", "printed" => null, "created" => "2013-09-30 16:19:16", "modified" => "2013-09-30 16:19:16", "url" => "6c96c4d8", "short_id" => "6c96c4d8", "url_part_2" => "Liver_disease", "total_views" => "733", "intro" => "<p>It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver.</p>", "publish_sort_date" => "2013-09-30", "_status" => "Offline" ), "Publication" => array( "id" => "2", "name" => "Probus Web", "folder" => "probus", "url" => "staging.probussouthpacific.org", "microsite_cms_url" => "stagingmicrosite.probussouthpacific.org", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_type_id" => "3", "home_spotlight_count" => "5", "home_spotlight_delay" => "5", "home_feature_count" => "0", "index_spotlight_count" => "3", "search_spotlight_count" => "3", "most_viewed_duration" => "14", "most_tagged_duration" => "14", "list_page_size" => "25", "home_ad1" => "88", "home_ad2" => "89", "home_ad3" => "", "home_ad4" => "", "story_ad1" => "", "story_ad2" => "", "story_ad3" => "", "story_ad4" => "", "button_ad1" => "66", "button_ad2" => "67", "button_ad3" => "", "button_ad4" => "", "button_ad5" => "", "leader_ad" => "", "smtp_port" => "465", "smtp_host" => "smtp.gmail.com", "smtp_username" => "[email protected]", "smtp_password" => "Qwert123$#", "smtp_type" => "ssl", "secure_widget" => "<h3>Quick Links</h3> <p> </p> <p>See <a title="PSPL Mail Outs" href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/pspl_correspondence">PSPL Mail Outs</a> for copies of letters sent by PSPL for the information of all Probus Club members. </p> <p> </p> <p>Club Management Committees can obtain contact details of Probus clubs by visiting this page. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_directory_lookup">Directory of Probus Clubs</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Access a range of material which can assist you with membership development for your club. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_membership_development">Membership Development Tools</a></p> <p> </p> <p>See PSPL’s latest annual report <a title="Click here." href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/about_pspl_annual_report">Click here.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>To access exclusive offers, visit the Probus <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_member_benefits_scheme">Member Benefits Scheme</a> page.</p> <p> </p> <p><span>If you want copies of reports, accounts templates or nomination forms for office bearers, you’ll find them here. </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_forms">Forms and Templates</a></p> <p> </p> <p><span>You'll find all your merchandise needs by visiting the </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/products/display/">Online Shop</a></p>", "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-10-06 15:18:14" ), "Tag" => array( "id" => "57", "tag_type_id" => "3", "publication_id" => "2", "name" => "Health", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_head_image" => "/probus/files/HealthEditBlue.jpg", "tag_ad1" => "92", "tag_ad2" => "93", "parent_id" => null, "private" => "0", "priority" => null, "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-11-21 16:21:27" ), "Tags" => array( array() ) ) $related_stories = array( array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ) )include - APP/views/stories/probus-display.ctp, line 49 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 731 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 426 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 AppController::render() - APP/app_controller.php, line 64 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 207 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 171 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 83
No stories were found.
Liver disease
30 Sep 2013
It’s the largest solid organ in the human body and when it fails, it can cause the body to shut down. It’s important to look after your liver.
The principal role of the liver is to process food nutrients and clear toxins from the body.
Fat accumulation and alcohol misuse are primary reasons for liver failure and damage to the organ.
A disturbance of liver function, liver disease is also known as hepatic disease. It’s a broad term that covers all potential problems that cause the organ to fail.
Causes
The liver can be damaged due to a number of factors.
Cells in the liver can become inflamed and bile flow can be obstructed. Cholesterol can also be a factor when it accumulates.
The two main causes of liver disease include alcohol abuse and accumulation of fat. Other causes include hepatitis virus infections, toxic effect of medications and inherited abnormalities of the liver.
Alcohol is toxic for the liver cells forcing them to break down and causing the liver to malfunction. It’s also the most preventable cause of liver disease.
Another common cause is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The accumulation of fat within the liver causes inflammation and gradually decreases its function.
Signs and symptoms
There are a number of symptoms associated with liver disease – some physical and some internal. What’s important to note is that the onset of liver disease is gradual and there is no specific symptom that is associated with the illness.
The most commonly experienced symptoms occur due to the inability to absorb fats. These include indigestion, reflux and intolerance to alcohol and fatty foods. Nausea and vomiting, bloating and constipation are also key symptoms.
Some of the more quiet symptoms include depression, mood changes and poor concentration. Overheating of the body and recurrent headaches may also occur.
Any unexplained fatigue, weakness and weight loss should prompt a visit to your medical professional as should jaundice.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing liver disease, doctors will generally ask about your medical history as well as physically examine you, as risk factors due to genetics and lifestyle are key to diagnosis.
The doctor will also probably order blood tests as they assess liver inflammation and function. CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds may be used to visualise the liver and nearby organs.
Treatment
The best kind of treatment for all kinds of liver disease is to make lifestyle changes. Cut out alcohol, improve your diet and eliminate fatty foods, and increase all regular exercise.
There is, of course, medicinal treatment for certain liver diseases but it’s always advised to see a doctor when it comes to any medication.
In worse case scenarios when the liver is completely failing, a liver transplant is an option.
®