Liver

About the Liver

The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in the human body. It is located in the upper right part of the abdomen and plays an essential role in metabolism, detoxification, and processing nutrients.

The main functions of the liver include:

• Filtering toxins from the blood.
• Producing bile to help digest fats.
• Storing vitamins and minerals.
• Regulating blood glucose levels.
• Processing medications and alcohol.

Liver disorders can have a significant effect on overall health.

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Common Liver Conditions

Some of the most common conditions affecting the liver include:

Liver Cirrhosis
A chronic condition characterized by progressive damage and scarring of liver tissue.
👉 Read more – Liver cirrhosis

Hemochromatosis
An inherited disorder that causes excessive iron to accumulate in the body, potentially damaging the liver and other organs.
👉 Read more – Hemochromatosis

Autoimmune Hepatitis
An inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks liver cells.
👉 Read more – Autoimmune hepatitis

Hepatitis B
A viral infection that affects the liver and may become chronic.
👉 Read more – Hepatitis B

Alcohol-Induced Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver caused by prolonged alcohol consumption.
👉 Read more – Alcohol-induced hepatitis

Liver Cancer
A malignant disease that develops from liver cells or in association with chronic liver disease.
👉 Read more – Liver cancer

Wilson's Disease
A genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver and other organs.
👉 Read more – Wilson's disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
A buildup of fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption and is often associated with obesity or metabolic syndrome.
👉 Read more – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

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Symptoms of Liver Disease

Liver conditions may cause a range of symptoms, although these can be mild during the early stages.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent tiredness.
• Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the upper right abdomen.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice.
• Dark urine.
• Swelling of the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite or nausea.

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Diagnosing Liver Conditions

The diagnostic assessment may include:

• Laboratory tests, including bilirubin, liver enzymes, and viral markers.
• Abdominal ultrasound.
• Liver elastography.
• Specific tests for autoimmune or metabolic conditions.
• A liver biopsy in selected cases.

Early assessment can help prevent irreversible damage to liver tissue.

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When to Consult a Doctor

You should seek medical advice if you experience:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Persistent pain on the right side of the abdomen.
• Unexplained tiredness.
• Swelling of the abdomen.
• Abnormal liver test results.

Early assessment and regular medical follow-up are essential for managing liver disease and preventing long-term complications.

If you have symptoms or abnormal laboratory results, you can consult a specialist at Klinika Kajo for a comprehensive assessment and an individualized treatment plan.

👉 Book a gastro-hepatology appointment here