Liver Disease Awareness Month: How to Prevent Liver Disease
Posted By Author on November 15, 2022
About one in 10 Americans suffer from some type of liver disease, with several factors putting some patients at a higher risk. Inherited conditions, weight, alcohol consumption, and infections may play a role, causing chronic liver disease or cirrhosis in approximately 5.5 million Americans. Despite the push for prevention, chronic liver disease is on the rise.
Liver Disease Awareness Month is a great time to prioritize your health and make sure you’re doing all you can to prevent disease!
Read on to learn more about different types of liver disease and to find out which symptoms to watch out for. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact a gastroenterologist near you today!
What Are The Different Types Of Liver Disease?
Liver disease is a fairly broad term that refers to issues that cause damage or inflammation of the liver. Some common types of liver disease include the following:
Immune system abnormality: Autoimmune diseases (when your immune system attacks your body) can impact your liver function and cause autoimmune liver diseases. Examples include autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
These risk factors have been shown to increase your risk of developing liver disease:
Heavy alcohol consumption
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Family history of liver disease
Drug use with shared needles
Unprotected sex
Exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids
Blood transfusion before 1992
Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
Symptoms
Keep an eye out for these liver disease symptoms:
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Chronic fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Tendency to bruise easily
Abdominal pain and swelling
Leg and ankle swelling
Itchy skin
Dark urine
Pale stools
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, contact Charleston GI today. Our board certified gastroenterologists near you are equipped to diagnose liver diseases and provide much-needed relief. If you are suffering from severe abdominal pain or persistent nausea or vomiting, seek emergency medical attention.
How To Improve Liver Health
Unhealthy living and bad habits can lead to irreversible liver damage, and eventually liver failure, if lifestyle changes are not put in place. While some conditions are genetic, many can be improved by implementing some simple practices, like these:
Drink proper amounts of water.
Limit alcohol use (or abstain completely).
Maintain a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Use only medications prescribed to you, and never mix them with alcohol.
Keep your diet free of foods that are very high in fat, salt, and sugar.
Add high-fiber foods to your daily diet.
Wash produce thoroughly to remove pesticides.
Always practice safe sex.
Avoid drug use.
Use extra caution when getting a piercing or tattoo.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids.
Here at Charleston GI, our specialists can help diagnose the problem and provide a customized plan to integrate these healthy habits into your everyday life. Schedule an appointment to get started!
Get Liver Disease Treatment in Charleston GI!
Liver disease affects about 30 million Americans, so if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you are not alone. Contact your trusted gastroenterologists at Charleston GI today! From diagnosis to treatment, we’ve got you covered – and there’s no referral needed.