Is it dangerous to have an inflamed liver?

He liver is a vital organ It performs a number of crucial functions in the body, including filter toxins from the bloodmetabolize nutrients, produce bile, store and release nutrients, synthesize proteins, or support immune function.

Its function as a filter makes it especially vulnerable to overloading yourself with toxic or fatwhich can cause the inflammation of the liver (or hepatitis), although it can also become inflamed from other causes, such as a viral infection. However, is it dangerous to have an inflamed liver? Although in some cases the inflammation of the liver resolves itself, in others it can lead to serious complications. We explain it to you in this article.

Discover in this video 8 plants to purify the liver:

Causes of the inflamed liver

One of the most common causes of inflammation of the liver is a viral infection with viruses such as the hepatitis A, B and C or the Epstein–Barr virus (what cause mononucleosis), although it can also be due to parasitic or bacterial infections.

Other common causes of liver inflammation are:

He alcohol consumption excessive and for a long time. consumption of certain medicationssuch as some antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or exposure to toxic substances.Autoimmune diseasesin which the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells (such as autoimmune hepatitis).

A bad diet, with a excess of foods high in sugars and fats saturated and trans, processed and fried foodscan cause inflammation of the liver and lead to metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the nonalcoholic steatohepatitisboth associated with an accumulation of fat in the liver and related to the obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Some genetic diseasestumors or cancers and cardiovascular problems (such as congestive heart failure or pericarditis) can also cause an enlarged liver.

Symptoms that the liver is inflamed

Symptoms can vary from person to person and often, especially when the inflammation is mild, there may be none or they may be very mild and go unnoticed.

When there are symptoms, the most common are:

Fatigueweakness or lack of energy.Pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen (where the liver is located).Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)because the liver can’t process bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.color changes in stool (whiter) or urine (darker).Digestive problemssuch as nausea, vomiting, or lack of appetite.Feeling full quickly when eating.itchy skin (pruritus).leg swellingankles or abdomen.

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to see your doctor to determine the cause.

Is it dangerous to have an inflamed liver?

Sometimes liver inflammation responds to a specific cause and resolves on its own. However, when it is serious or prolonged in timecan cause serious complications, such as:

Cirrhosiswhich occurs when prolonged inflammation damages liver cells, causing it to form scar tissue (fibrosis), which makes it difficult for the liver to function normally.Liver failurewhen the liver loses its ability to perform the essential functions necessary for life.Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Chronic inflammation of the liver can cause changes in liver cells that promote the growth of cancer cells.Portal hypertensionwhen inflammation and scarring in the liver prevent blood flow through the liver, causing a increased pressure in the portal vein. It can cause very serious problems like bleeding in esophageal varices, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) and hepatic encephalopathy (an impairment of brain function that can cause confusion, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes).

How to reduce inflammation of the liver?

He treatment of inflammation of the liver depends on what is its cause. For example, if it’s due to a viral infection, you’ll most likely need to be treated with antiviral drugs, immunosuppressants, or other targeted therapies. If the cause is the use of certain medications, the doctor may prescribe other treatments or reduce the dose. Or if it is due to alcohol abuse or exposure to toxins, the first measure will be to avoid them.

In any case, certain changes in your diet and lifestyle can help you take care of your liver:

follow a healthy and nutritious dietthat includes a lot of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats.avoid alcoholprocessed foods, saturated fats and excess sugar.Maintain a healthy weight.Drink a lot of water.Practice physical exercise on regular basis.Avoid (as far as possible) environmental contamination and exposure to toxic chemical substances (cleaning products, pesticides…). Some plants, such as the milk thistle, turmeric or dandelion They are known for their anti-inflammatory or hepatoprotective properties and can help reduce inflammation in the liver. It is a good idea to ask your doctor if they are indicated based on the underlying cause of the inflammation.