The Importance of the Liver and the effects of Cirrhosis
The liver is known to be the largest organ in the body weighing at about three pounds in adults. It is located in the right upper quadrant area, more specifically in the hypochondriac region beneath the diagram. The liver is one of the most important organs as it performs many metabolic roles. Without it, we would not have the ability to survive. The liver is responsible for performing important functions such as making proteins that aid in blood clots and oxygen transport. As it does so, the liver is responsible for producing a substance known as bile. It is secreted by the cells of the liver and stored in the gull bladder. Bile is a substance that helps break down fat particles into …show more content…
However, according the article “Liver Cirrhosis” by Detlef Schuppan and Nezam H. Afdhal, this does not apply when diagnosed with cirrhosis because it often has no signs or symptoms until the liver has been severely damaged (NCBI, 2008). If any symptoms are presented they are presented as the following: loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and spider like blood vessels (American Liver Foundation). Some complications are: fluid build-up and painful swelling of legs and abdomen, bruising and bleeding easily, enlarged spleen and blood vessels, and the presence of jaundice. Jaundice is the result of a yellow discoloration on the skin and eyes (Web MD, n.d.). Cirrhosis is diagnosed through a medical family history, physical exam, blood test, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy which is known to be the most definite test for the disease (Health line, n.d.). During a biopsy a sample of the liver tissue is removed for further testing (American Liver Foundation, n.d.). As far as treating the disease, it depends on how affected the liver is and if it is crucially damaged the option of getting a liver transplant is an option. The best way to prevent further liver damage is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and limit the consumption of alcohol depending on your body and
The liver is known to be the largest organ in the body weighing at about three pounds in adults. It is located in the right upper quadrant area, more specifically in the hypochondriac region beneath the diagram. The liver is one of the most important organs as it performs many metabolic roles. Without it, we would not have the ability to survive. The liver is responsible for performing important functions such as making proteins that aid in blood clots and oxygen transport. As it does so, the liver is responsible for producing a substance known as bile. It is secreted by the cells of the liver and stored in the gull bladder. Bile is a substance that helps break down fat particles into …show more content…
However, according the article “Liver Cirrhosis” by Detlef Schuppan and Nezam H. Afdhal, this does not apply when diagnosed with cirrhosis because it often has no signs or symptoms until the liver has been severely damaged (NCBI, 2008). If any symptoms are presented they are presented as the following: loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and spider like blood vessels (American Liver Foundation). Some complications are: fluid build-up and painful swelling of legs and abdomen, bruising and bleeding easily, enlarged spleen and blood vessels, and the presence of jaundice. Jaundice is the result of a yellow discoloration on the skin and eyes (Web MD, n.d.). Cirrhosis is diagnosed through a medical family history, physical exam, blood test, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy which is known to be the most definite test for the disease (Health line, n.d.). During a biopsy a sample of the liver tissue is removed for further testing (American Liver Foundation, n.d.). As far as treating the disease, it depends on how affected the liver is and if it is crucially damaged the option of getting a liver transplant is an option. The best way to prevent further liver damage is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and limit the consumption of alcohol depending on your body and