Shaped like a cone, the liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm. The liver is a dark reddish-brown organ that weighs about 3 pounds and is the largest organ inside a human body. It helps in digestion, stores energy, and removes poisons.
The liver holds about one pint (13%) of the body’s blood supply at any given moment.
The liver performs various functions including:
- Production of bile
- Production of certain proteins for blood plasma
- Production of cholesterol and special proteins
- Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage
- Regulation of blood levels of amino acids
- Processing of hemoglobin
- Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea
- Regulating blood clotting
- Resisting infections
- Clearance of bilirubin from red blood cells
Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis). This leads to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment enables the liver to heal.
Symptoms of liver disease
- Skin and eyes appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Pale stool color
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Tendency to bruise easily
Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, leading to inflammation reducing the liver function. Certain immune system abnormalities and genetic factors can also lead to liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hemochromatosis, wilson’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Obesity, alcohol usage, type 2 diabetes, unprotected sex and exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids are some of the major risk factors that can lead to liver diseases and conditions.
Visit our specialist
Make an appointment with Lourdes, if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that are bothering you. Also, seek immediate medical attention if you have abdominal pain that is so severe.
