Liver Problem - Symptoms and Some of the Preventive Measures to Observe

Liver is an organ about the size of a football that sits under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. Liver is the body "detoxifer". The cells within the liver contain a number of powerful enzymes that break down toxins or chemicals that can be found in some of the things we eat.

The liver plays a critical role in metabolic processes such as digestion and absorption of nutrients, regulation of blood sugar levels and in getting rid of toxic substance from the body. It helps to control cholesterol production and excretion; it also fights infection in the body by removing bacteria from the blood stream.

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

Liver problem are caused by viruses and chemicals such as alcohol that subsequently leads to serious complications and are sometimes inherited. Any person diagnose with liver disease is placed on special diet in other to protect and allow the liver to perform its function without over working it. The liver is where any medicine or supplements that we consume are further broken down. This liver condition includes hepatitis A, B, C, cirrhosis and abscesses.

The latest statistics from the American Live Foundation and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) show that over 26,000 people in the US die every year from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease is the seventh leading disease-related cause of death in the US and that 75-80% of cases of cirrhosis could be prevented by eliminating alcohol abuse. As of January 31, 2010, over 20,000 adults and children were waiting for liver transplant in the US.

Common liver disease symptoms
1, Jaundice - this is yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes.
2, liver failure - is the deterioration of liver functions
3, liver encephalopathy - deterioration of brain functions
4, liver enlargement - increase in size of the liver
5, cholestasis - stopped bile flow
6, portal hypertension - high blood press in portal vein
7, ascites - accumulation of fluid in abdominal cavity
8, pain or discomfort - in upper right portion of the abdomen
9, unintentional weight loss
10, loss of appetite

Prevention of liver problems

It should be noted that some cases of liver diseases can be prevented while others like genetics and involuntary to certain chemicals cannot really be controlled.

The following are some major ways we can prevent liver problems:
1, Avoid excessive alcohol intake - Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages is one of the leading ways of preventing liver condition.
2, Quit smoking - various studies have linked smoking to many diseases and liver condition is not an exception.
3, Get vaccinated - Ensure you are properly immunized against hepatitis B and if you are not sure, ask your physician about getting the vaccine. Vaccinate your children at early age against hepatitis B as this will reduce the chances of getting liver problem later in life.

Liver Problem - Symptoms and Some of the Preventive Measures to Observe

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

Alcoholic Vs Problem Drinker!

Drink alone cannot turn someone into an alcoholic if they don't have the mindset of a 'true' drunk. Someone exposed to, and participating in, daily drinking might well form a bad habit and develop a drink problem, but that doesn't mean they are, or will go on to become, a full blown alcoholic who is heavily addicted to ethyl alcohol.

alcoholic ginger beer

Someone with a drink problem may well identify their malady and do something about when the time is right.

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An alcoholic, on the other hand, denies he even has a drinking problem and may never do anything about it despite all the physical, emotional, and mental trauma it causes for him and those around him.

A person with a drink problem may be a well-adjusted individual whose life is fulfilled, balanced and functions perfectly well all apart from the drink issue.

The alcoholic's life is often one of imbalance, extreme behaviours and mood swings. He most likely has experienced a number of failed relationships, and has a pessimistic attitude and outlook on life in general.

The problem drinker will stop drinking, though begrudgingly, if a doctor instructs him to for the sake of his health and well being, or a partner threatens to leave him should he continue.

The alcoholic will shoot down any doctor's opinion ranting on about how he doesn't know what he's talking about. Many alcoholics drink until they die simply because they won't, or can't accept the help and advice of others. Full blown alcoholics will often choose the bottle over the spouse if given an ultimatum

As you can probably tell from the above, the alcoholic comes across as a self centered know-it-all. A person who's deep in denial, and has difficulty living a life on life's terms. Such a conclusion tells us that the alcoholic personality is egotistical to the extreme, and nothing or nobody will get in the way of their drinking no matter what! A lot of alcoholics tend to have a self destruct button, but sadly they often take victims with them as their life spirals downwards.

Most of us will most probably know of someone who has a drink problem, that being someone who drinks too much too often. And because one in 10 people in western societies are alcoholics, many of us will also know of someone who not consumes too much, but also displays some or all of the alcoholic characteristics above.

The really sad fact about so many alcoholics is that they themselves do not really want to be the way they are. They certainly don't intend to drag others down with them, but they can't seem to help themselves. It is highly unlikely that an alcoholic can stop drinking on his own, which is why there are support groups and fellowships everywhere set up specifically to help those who are ready to help themselves.

Quitting - Heavy Drinkers!

If you're a pretty popular person among your family and friends, and have a reasonably good lifestyle apart from the drinking issue, then you know what you have to do about it if it bothers you and your loved ones. Just like quitting smoking, it will take a bit of effort and withdrawal, but it can be done so long as you want it enough. Remember though, just because you drink too much now, doesn't automatically mean you're an alcoholic, so you may even have the luxury to moderate over time.

Quitting - Alcoholics!

Are you always drinking, or thinking about drinking in between sessions? Does your life seems to go from bad to worse no matter how hard you try to get on the right path? Is getting drunk more of a priority for you than getting dinner or making an appointment? Do you always seem to be in some kind of conflict with people, places, and things? Are you unhappy more often than not? And if you really think about it, do you suffer from shame, remorse, and guilt, whenever you reflect on your life or current behaviour? If you live for the juice and can relate to any of these questions, then there's a good chance you have more than just a drink problem. It's likely that you are an alcoholic, or at best, a borderline alcoholic.

There are Solutions - but you have to want them!

Alcoholics do get sober, and not only do they manage to plug the jug, but they also manage to stay stopped and go on to live a serene and purposeful life of sobriety. There are no magic solutions here, and it does require effort from the individual. Once they take ownership of their problem, then the foundation for recovery is set. When an alcoholic can finally come to accept that there is nothing, repeat nothing, in their life that a drink can make better, then the door to recovery has opened.

Alcoholic Vs Problem Drinker!

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Hepatitis C- A Big Problem

Hepatitis C is a medical condition that shows no symptoms in many of the people that come in contact with the hepatitis C virus. Although there are symptoms which indicate hepatitis C, many doctors may also mistake them for other condition symptoms. Hepatitis C is a condition that can lead to liver diseased and even liver damage.

hepatitis

Some of the symptoms for hepatitis C can be fatigue, nausea, headaches and even memory loss from time to time. There are a lot of cases where people who had those hepatitis symptoms were diagnosed incorrectly because the doctors could not figure out that they actually had a hepatitis C infection. This is a very serious condition that hides its roots well. The main way of the hepatitis c virus spread is through blood. This hepatitis virus can also be passes down from mother to fetus, but these are less common cases of hepatitis C. Because hepatitis C is a silent condition , many people come to suffer from severe liver damage. You can have the hepatitis C virus, but because there are no hepatitis symptoms not even know that. The hepatitis virus has a period of incubation of about 180 days and afterward hepatitis C sets up. The hepatitis virus shows no signs that he is there and slowly starts to damage your liver. Many people realize that they have hepatitis C after they have come to chronic hepatitis stage.

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There is no vaccine that can help you prevent the infection with hepatitis C virus. So all one can do to prevent hepatitis C is to avoid all the risk factors. If the hepatitis C virus is contacted, your body will try to fight it. However, the hepatitis virus can mutate and evade your immune system. As many as 80 percent of the people that are infected with the hepatitis C virus will not be able to destroy it completely. There are hepatitis C treatments available, but unfortunately they do not work for all the hepatitis patients. Some people are not able to support the mediation that must be taken in case of infection with the hepatitis C virus. There are also side effects of the hepatitis C treatment that must be taken into consideration. Doctors still search for an effective hepatitis C treatment. The most recent discovery in a hepatitis C treatment is a genetically engineered drug which must be comnined with another drug called ribavirin.

Hepatitis C- A Big Problem

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Alcoholic Spouses - How Serious is Their Alcohol Problem Anyway?

Does your spouse show signs of alcoholism? In other words, does your spouse need more and more alcohol to feel "buzzed" or intoxicated? Here are 5 common signs of alcoholism addiction:

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Does he/she drink to relax? Does your alcoholic spouse get defensive if you bring up drinking? Has your spouse tried to quit alcohol and failed? Does your spouse suffer alcohol withdrawal if he/she tries to quit drinking? Does your spouse have trouble with marriage relationships, problems with parenting, and possibly work?

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Here is a typical case from my psychiatry practice:

S.L is a 35 year old man. He comes to me for problems with anxiety and depression. He is a successful lawyer. However, he complains of experiencing panic symptoms when he presents in front of a jury. His anxiety is interfering with his career and he wants medication for this. Although I prescribed medication, he did not have a robust response and here is the reason why. His wife called me one day and told me her husband has been drinking every night for 2 years. Initially, he drank a beer to relax after work. This number has increased over time to 6-8 beers in the evening. S.L is alcohol dependent. Alcohol is counteracting his medication. His alcohol dependence must be addressed.

How serious is his alcohol problem, anyway? There are 4 stages of alcoholism addiction.

Early Stage: The typical early stage starts out as drinking to unwind. Drinking becomes an escape and is used to boost mood or relieve stress. S. L. is drinking to relax to "forget his troubles".

Middle Stage: The middle stage is defined as needing to drink more and more to get the same "buzz". Your alcoholic spouse will not admit a drinking problem to you, but he/she has thought about it a lot. His/her brain is alcohol dependent. In other words, alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and shakiness occurs if he/she tries to quit drinking. Black outs and hangovers are common. S.L fits into this category.

Late Stage: This stage is very serious. Your alcoholic spouse has become obsessed with drinking alcohol. Nothing else matters. Often your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife will become malnourished (vitamin B1 deficiency). Liver problems, pancreas problems, anemia and neurological problems may occur. Legal problems are common. Marital stress is a given. At this point, your alcoholic spouse has withdrawn and spends his/her time both drinking and seeking alcohol. A medical professional needs to be involved in "detoxing" your alcoholic spouse or he/she could die going through alcohol withdrawal.

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease. Early intervention is very important. In the late stages of alcoholism addiction, the brain has become so alcohol dependent, it will be much tougher for your alcoholic spouse to overcome the brains' alcohol cravings. Going to Al-Anon is a great first step for you to get some support and tools to deal with this family disease. Do not procrastinate. The longer you wait, the tougher the recovery for your alcoholic spouse.

Alcoholic Spouses - How Serious is Their Alcohol Problem Anyway?

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