Liver is an organ which works silently. It does not scream for attention till it is too late! We all are aware of what organs like heart, brain and kidneys do, but miss knowing much about liver.
Do you know what are the normal functions of Liver?
What agents cause damage to it?
How long does it take for liver to "cry"
How you can help yourself
What are the treatment available for liver diseases
Normal Functions of Liver:
Liver is the largest internal organ and gland.
1. Formation of bile which helps in fat digestion.
2. Storage and release of glucose as required.
3. Formation of different proteins which help in multiple functions in the body.
4. Formation of cholesterol.
5. Helps in clotting by synthesizing clotting factors.
6. Metabolises drugs, chemicals and alcohols.
7.Stores iron and also helps in metabolism of hemoglobin.
Agents Causing damage to Liver
1. Alcohol.
2. Overuse and abuse of medicines.
3. Viruses like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E.
4. Toxins like fungus on groundnut or any other food.
5. Stone in the bile duct.
How long does it take for liver to get damaged?
While as acute cases the damage is immediately visible, in chronic cases it can take 15 to 30 years for liver damage to manifest clinically. The reason being that 70% of the liver needs to get damaged for signs and symptoms to appear.
Prolonged liver damage also is a cause for cancer of the liver.
How you can help yourself?
1.Get screened for Viral hepatitis.
2. Avoid alcohol consumption.
3. Eat hygienic food.
Treatment?
Depends on the cause of liver damage. Today liver transplant is being offered for people with cirrhosis of liver and hepato cellular cancer.
To know more about screening, treatment and prevention get in touch with your family doctor or call us.
Do you know what are the normal functions of Liver?
What agents cause damage to it?
How long does it take for liver to "cry"
How you can help yourself
What are the treatment available for liver diseases
Normal Functions of Liver:
Liver is the largest internal organ and gland.
1. Formation of bile which helps in fat digestion.
2. Storage and release of glucose as required.
3. Formation of different proteins which help in multiple functions in the body.
4. Formation of cholesterol.
5. Helps in clotting by synthesizing clotting factors.
6. Metabolises drugs, chemicals and alcohols.
7.Stores iron and also helps in metabolism of hemoglobin.
Agents Causing damage to Liver
1. Alcohol.
2. Overuse and abuse of medicines.
3. Viruses like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E.
4. Toxins like fungus on groundnut or any other food.
5. Stone in the bile duct.
How long does it take for liver to get damaged?
While as acute cases the damage is immediately visible, in chronic cases it can take 15 to 30 years for liver damage to manifest clinically. The reason being that 70% of the liver needs to get damaged for signs and symptoms to appear.
Prolonged liver damage also is a cause for cancer of the liver.
How you can help yourself?
1.Get screened for Viral hepatitis.
2. Avoid alcohol consumption.
3. Eat hygienic food.
Treatment?
Depends on the cause of liver damage. Today liver transplant is being offered for people with cirrhosis of liver and hepato cellular cancer.
To know more about screening, treatment and prevention get in touch with your family doctor or call us.
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