Liver disease refers to any condition that impairs the normal function or structure of the liver—a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins, aiding digestion, and producing essential proteins. With over 100 million people in the United States affected, liver disease is a growing health concern. It can range from mild, manageable conditions to severe forms that lead to liver failure.

Recognizing early signs and seeking timely care are crucial for improving long-term outcomes. Liver disease may be caused by infections, lifestyle habits, autoimmune reactions, or inherited conditions. If left untreated, it can progress to irreversible damage.

Types of Liver Disease

There are several types of liver disease, each with unique causes and characteristics:

Fatty Liver Disease Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates within liver cells. It includes:

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Common in people with obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol, NAFLD involves fat build-up not caused by alcohol.

  • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of NAFLD, NASH includes inflammation and liver damage.

Alcoholic Liver Disease Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells. It progresses through stages:

  • Alcoholic fatty liver (steatosis): Initial fat accumulation

  • Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation and cell injury

  • Alcoholic cirrhosis: Scarring and permanent damage, often irreversible

Hepatitis Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, often due to viral infections:

  • Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food or water, usually short-term

  • Hepatitis B: Spread via bodily fluids; may become chronic

  • Hepatitis C: Bloodborne virus that can lead to long-term liver damage

  • Hepatitis D: Requires presence of hepatitis B to infect

  • Hepatitis E: Often results from consuming contaminated water

Liver Cancer Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), begins in liver cells. It can be:

  • Primary: Originates in the liver

  • Secondary: Spreads to the liver from another part of the body

Autoimmune Liver Diseases These occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks liver tissues:

  • Autoimmune hepatitis: Leads to inflammation and can progress to cirrhosis

  • Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): Damages small bile ducts

  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): Scars and narrows bile ducts

Genetic Liver Disorders Some inherited conditions affect liver function:

  • Wilson disease: Copper accumulation in the liver

  • Hemochromatosis: Excess iron absorption causing organ damage

  • Gilbert syndrome: Mild bilirubin processing disorder causing jaundice

Cirrhosis Cirrhosis is the end stage of many liver diseases. It involves significant scarring that disrupts blood flow and organ function. Causes include alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Common Symptoms

Liver disease symptoms vary by type and stage but may include:

  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

  • Swelling in the abdomen or legs

  • Dark urine and pale stools

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Easy bruising or bleeding

Note: Some liver diseases cause no symptoms in early stages. Regular screenings are essential, especially for those with risk factors.

Causes and Risk Factors

Liver disease may develop due to:

  • Viral infections (e.g., hepatitis A, B, C)

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome

  • Exposure to contaminated blood or bodily fluids

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • High-fat diets

  • Family history of liver conditions

  • Use of hepatotoxic drugs or supplements

Lifestyle choices and underlying conditions play a major role in liver health. Safe practices and preventive care reduce risks significantly.

Diagnosis

If liver disease is suspected, your provider may perform:

Medical History and Physical Exam

  • Reviewing symptoms, lifestyle, and family history

  • Checking for jaundice or abdominal tenderness

Blood Tests

  • Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin)

  • Viral hepatitis panels

  • Complete blood count (CBC)

Imaging Tests

  • Ultrasound to view liver size and texture

  • CT or MRI to detect masses, scarring, or inflammation

  • FibroScan to measure liver stiffness

Liver Biopsy A small tissue sample is taken with a needle to confirm liver damage, inflammation, or cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the specific liver condition, severity, and symptoms:

  • Lifestyle changes: Reduce alcohol intake, adopt a healthy diet, and exercise regularly

  • Medications:

    • Antivirals for hepatitis

    • Immunosuppressants for autoimmune diseases

    • Chelation for Wilson disease

    • Iron reduction for hemochromatosis

  • Cancer treatment:

    • Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for liver tumors

  • Advanced interventions:

    • Liver transplant in cases of liver failure or end-stage cirrhosis

Timely treatment slows disease progression and prevents complications. Your provider will tailor a plan to your needs.

Prevention Tips

Healthy habits can reduce your risk of liver disease:

  • Limit alcohol intake

  • Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B

  • Avoid sharing needles or personal items

  • Practice safe sex

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Eat a balanced, low-fat diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Manage diabetes and cholesterol

  • Avoid overuse of medications or supplements

Routine checkups can detect liver issues early—often before symptoms develop.

Potential Complications

If liver disease is left untreated, serious complications may arise:

  • Liver failure: Complete loss of liver function

  • Cirrhosis: Permanent liver scarring

  • Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen

  • Variceal bleeding: Enlarged veins that may rupture

  • Hepatorenal syndrome: Liver-related kidney failure

  • Hepatic encephalopathy: Brain dysfunction due to toxins

  • Liver cancer: Especially in chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis

Addressing liver disease early greatly reduces the risk of these outcomes.

Living With Liver Disease

Living with liver disease requires ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Many people manage their condition effectively through medication, healthy habits, and regular monitoring.

Support from healthcare providers, dietitians, and support groups can also improve quality of life. In some cases, liver transplants may offer a second chance at health.

If diagnosed, staying informed and proactive is key. Early action helps preserve liver function and prevents irreversible damage.