Can liver damage be reversed?

What happens in liver damage?

Liver damage is when the liver is not able to perform its functions. Nausea, loss of appetite, and blood in the stool are all symptoms of the same. Treatments include abstaining from alcohol and certain foods.

What factors are responsible for liver damage?

The liver can be damaged due to various factors:

*Fat-related damage, which occurs when too much fat accumulates in the liver and causes dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels).

*Viral hepatitis is the most common type. It is caused by one of several viruses — hepatitis viruses such as A, B, C, and E. Hepatitis B and C are chronic ones and are transmitted through blood and body secretions i.e. coming in contact with the blood of someone who has the disease. Hepatitis A and E are acute ones caused by infected food and water. All these viruses can cause liver inflammation, and damage it. The chronic ones, if left untreated, can leave scars in the liver, which eventually leads to liver cirrhosis or liver failure.

*Obesity, poor lifestyle, and excessive alcohol consumption are some other factors.

*Some medicines and drugs, taken over the counter, also put undue burden on the liver resulting in its damage.

“All these damages combine to cause inflammation in the liver, which potentially causes a fatal condition. When inflammation occurs, the liver swells, causing damage to the liver cells. When the liver heals, it leaves scars. When more than 50 percent of the liver is replaced by scars, it known as cirrhosis or liver failure,” Dr Soin said.

What are the signs?

A few of the warning signs of liver damage are:
*Loss of appetite
*Abdominal (upper right) pain and swelling
*Abnormal liver function

Consume a healthy diet to keep your liver healthy. (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)

In more advanced stages people can have signs such as:

Skin and eyes that appear yellowish, or jaundice
Blood in the vomit or stool
Water accumulation in the feet and the tummy
Excessive drowsiness and confusion
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting

Can liver damage be reversed?

If there is only fat in the liver and no signs of inflammation and scarring, then fat in the liver can be reversed by keeping these things in mind

*Stopping or reducing alcohol consumption
*Maintaining a healthy body weight
*Reducing lipid levels

“In the case of hepatitis, liver damage can be reversed by removing the cause. However, in case of fibrosis, it can only be reversed or treated at early stages. A liver transplant is recommended if one has end-stage liver disease (chronic liver failure) or if there is more than 75 per cent damage,” said Dr Soin.

What is the success rate of reversal?

The reversal’s success rate depends upon the condition and how severe the cause is. For e.g., an acute liver failure can sometimes be reversed with treatment. In many situations, a liver transplant may be the only cure. “Additionally, some lifestyle changes that can control or reverse the fat buildup in your liver can help in approximately 6-12 months. Inflammation and early fibrosis are often cured in three months. However, advanced scarring and cirrhosis can never be reversed and only treated with the help of liver transplant,” Dr Soin said.

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