Liver Inflammation

Liver inflammation is the name for the liver disease which is better known medically as hepatitis. This article will perhaps answer any questions about what might cause inflammation of the liver, what the signs of liver inflammation, does inflammation liver hurt and how inflammation of the liver is treated.

Hepatitis is a Greek word for inflammation of the liver which is characterized by the devastation of liver cells as well as the existence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the liver. It can be triggered by viruses that normally attack the cells of the liver such as hepatitis A and B. Individuals with glandular fever that is caused by the virus Epstein-Barr, may also undergo problems from hepatitis attack.

Hepatitis is usually divided into 2 sub-groups by its duration:

• Hepatitis Acute – which lasts less than 6 months
• Hepatitis Chronic – which lasts longer than 6 months

Liver Inflammation Symptoms

Hepatitis is acute

The symptoms of acute inflammation of the liver vary significantly from individual to individual. Some individuals have no symptoms and in many cases, children will only show symptoms which are mild.

Initial stages:

• General malaise, tiredness, slight fever
• Poor appetite, nausea, changes in taste sensitivity
• Pain or pressure beneath the right ribs typically caused by a liver that is enlarged
• Aching joints and muscles, skin rash, headache
• Yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes
• Urine that is dark
• Stools that are light-colored
• Tiredness can last for weeks

Hepatitis is chronic

Many individuals have zero symptoms

• Tiredness
• Increasing need for sleep
• Achy joints and muscles
• Light pressure or pain below the right ribs
• Jaundice late symptom – shows that disease has turned out to be serious

Liver inflammation symptoms vary depending on the cause. Generally speaking 4 symptoms are anticipated:

• Jaundice is yellowing of the skin as well as the whites of the eyes. It is also called “yellow jaundice” for this reason.
• Loss of appetite often followed by loss of weight is typical. This symptom is usually common with acute hepatitis. Vomiting and/or nausea often follow shortly afterward.
• Deep, profound and chronic fatigue is also symptoms of inflammation of the liver. The liver is vital in controlling the metabolism and energy levels so when it becomes inflamed the level of energy decreases. This can also lead to a feeling of weakness.
• Joint and muscular pain is another common signs of inflammation of the liver. It may continue for days, weeks and is likely to occur when there is acute hepatitis than when an individual has chronic hepatitis.

A person cannot live a healthy life without a liver that is functioning properly because it:

• Stores energy
• Regulates stores of fat
• Metabolizes drugs
• Processes nutrients
• Removes waste that is toxic
• Controls infections
• Clears poisons from blood
• Helps with the digesting of food by producing bile
• Controls release and production of cholesterol
• Transforms food into energy, immune factors, blood clotting factors, hormones and proteins

Liver Inflammation Causes

Yes, the liver is an extremely vital organ for a life that is healthy and triggering it to become inflamed is not great.

Liver inflammation can be caused by many conditions. The more recurrent cause is an infection that is viral, most infamously viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Mononucleosis, amebic dysentery, cytomegalovirus, or yellow fever infections may also cause an inflamed liver.

There are various reasons for hepatitis, such as:

• Infections with parasites
• Infections with bacteria
• Alcohol
• Autoimmune disease
• Mushrooms that are poisonous
• Blood transfusion incompatibility
• Exposure to some noxious chemicals

Some drugs are also known to be a cause of inflammation or liver hepatitis. Over the counter pain relievers can cause inflamed liver, especially:

• Naproxen – Aleve
• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen – Tylenol
• Ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin

These medications have the potential to hurt the function of the liver or even damage it permanently especially when taken too much. And all prescription drugs also have the probability to harm the liver.

Joining any drug with even a sensible amount of alcohol may considerably intensify their toxic effect. So don’t drink when you are on medications.

Some herbs also can cause liver damage as well as interact with prescription medications to generate more severe side effects than if taken alone. Herbs which damage the liver are:

• Comfrey
• Kava
• Cascara
• Ma-huang
• Chaparral

Liver Inflammation Treatment

• There is no medical therapy in general for an inflamed liver.
• Chronic hepatitis B may be treated with antiviral agent along with interferon alfa
• Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with ribavirin or tribavirin along with interferon alfa
• Autoimmune hepatitis may be treated with corticosteroids.

To prevent inflammation of the liver:

• Avoid exposure to the infectious hepatitis viruses
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A as well as hepatitis B, especially if you are a high risk individual
• Refrain from drinking large amounts of alcohol

Liver Inflammation Diet

There are some tips for a good diet that is anti-inflammatory. This is not intended as a weight-loss program, just some tips for healthy eating for your liver. It is a way of preparing or selecting foods based on scientific information of how they may help the body endure optimal healthiness. These tips will assist with stopping any liver inflammation, offer a constant energy and ample vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids dietary fiber and protective phytonutrients.

Individuals can adjust current recipes according to these anti-inflammatory diet principles:

General diet tips:

• Goal of variety
• Contain fresh food
• Minimize the ingesting of fast food as well as processed food.
• Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits

Caloric Intake

• Many adults must consume 2000 to 3000 calories each day
• Woman as well as less active or smaller individuals need fewer calories
• Men as well as more active of larger individuals need more calories
• Calories distribution should be as follows: 40% to 50% from carbohydrates, 30% from fat, and 20% to 30% from protein
• Try to consume fat, carbohydrates, and proteins each meal