Liver diseases
The liver is the largest gland and the largest organ in the body with over 500 functions
Viral – Hep A, B and C
Hepatitis occurs when tissues in the liver become inflamed following a virus. It can heal of its own accord, but it can also do lasting damage to the liver.
Hepatitis A is preventable with a vaccination and is more common in developing countries. It is usually passed on through water or food contamination. Usually there isn’t any permanent liver damage.
Hepatitis B is also preventable through a vaccination but can be passed on by blood or bodily fluids.
Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver disease. The virus causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to cirrhosis over time.
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Treatments
Treatments for Hepatitis C are becoming more effective. If the virus is causing damage to the liver, two main types of drugs are used to fight the condition. These are usually effective in more than half of cases.
The two main drugs used for treatment of hepatitis C are called pegylated interferon and ribavirin. You will either receive pegylated interferon alone, or the two drugs together.
Treatment usually offered to people with moderate to severe liver damage, with the course lasting between six or 12 months.
What are the side effects?
There are a number of side effects that can be significant. However, these may not affect everyone in the same way or to the same degree.
The most common side effects are flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, aches and pains, and decreased appetite. Other side effects may include nausea, anaemia, depression, itching and skin rashes.
The side effects are usually worse at the beginning of the treatment. They should become less severe as your body becomes used to the drugs.
Treatment may not be advised for some patients, including those with certain pre-existing medical conditions and pregnant women.
For more information visit
http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/
http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/home.aspx
http://www.hepccentre.org.uk/
Damage from alcohol
Alcohol harms the liver by blocking the normal breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
This can cause fatty liver disease, alcohol hepatitis, fibrosis or chronic liver disease - cirrhosis.
There are usually no warning signs for liver damage but continued heavy drinking will mean your liver will run out of healthy cells and will stop working as effectively.
Alcohol can also cause jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes – and pancreatitis which cause extreme abdominal pain and vomiting.
If drinking continues, any treatments are usually ineffective.
For more information visit
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/home.aspx
Immune diseases
The causes of these conditions aren’t known but inflammation occurs in the liver and bile ducts.
A specialist liver clinic is held twice a week in medical outpatients at The Royal London Hospital.
