Liver Diseases

Liver cirrhosis

🔴 Symptoms

Persistent fatigue and general weakness
Loss of appetite and progressive weight loss
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Swelling of the abdomen (ascites) and legs
Confusion, memory problems (hepatic encephalopathy)
Small red spots on the skin or easy bleeding

🩺 Treatment

Complete cessation of alcohol consumption
Balanced diet and reduced salt intake in case of ascites
Medications to control complications (diuretics, lactulose...)
Paracentesis to remove ascites if necessary
Treatment of the underlying cause (viral hepatitis, iron overload, etc.)
Liver transplantation in advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of liver cells and their replacement with fibrous tissue, which severely disrupts liver function.
Affected population: Mainly adults between the ages of 40 and 60. People with chronic alcoholism or chronic viral hepatitis B and C are at the highest risk.
Common causes: Excessive alcohol consumption, chronic viral hepatitis (B and C), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune diseases, and prolonged exposure to certain toxins or medications.

🛡️ Prevention

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Vaccination against hepatitis B
Screening and treatment of hepatitis B and C
Avoid self-medication and liver-toxic drugs
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
Consult promptly if signs of liver damage appear

Chronic hepatitis

🔴 Symptoms

Persistent fatigue and feeling unwell
Mild pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
Loss of appetite and nausea
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine and pale stools
Possible progression to cirrhosis if untreated

🩺 Treatment

Antiviral treatment for hepatitis B or C
Regular liver monitoring with blood tests and ultrasound
Lifestyle changes: no alcohol, healthy diet
Medications to reduce liver inflammation
Liver transplantation in very advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Chronic hepatitis is a persistent inflammation of the liver lasting more than six months. It can cause progressive liver damage, sometimes evolving into cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Affected population: Adults and children exposed to hepatitis B or C viruses, especially in regions where these infections are endemic (Africa, Asia).
Common causes: Chronic infections by hepatitis B or C viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, certain autoimmune diseases, prolonged use of hepatotoxic medications.

🛡️ Prevention

Vaccination against hepatitis B
Use of sterile and safe medical equipment
Protected sexual intercourse
Avoid sharing needles or sharp objects
Regular screening for at-risk individuals
Strict hygiene among healthcare professionals

Liver cancer

🔴 Symptoms

Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Severe fatigue and general weakness
Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)

🩺 Treatment

Surgical removal of the tumor (if operable)
Liver transplantation in certain cases
Chemotherapy or targeted therapy
Radiofrequency ablation or embolization to shrink the tumor
Palliative care to improve quality of life if the cancer is advanced

📌 Summary

Definition: Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that develops from liver cells. It is often secondary to chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis or chronic viral hepatitis.
Affected population: Mainly adults, especially men over 50 living in areas with high prevalence of hepatitis B or C (Africa, Asia).
Common causes: Chronic hepatitis B or C, alcoholic cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), long-term exposure to aflatoxins (toxins from food molds), family history.

🛡️ Prevention

Vaccination against hepatitis B
Early treatment of chronic hepatitis B or C
Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use
Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet
Regular liver monitoring for people at risk

Acute liver failure

🔴 Symptoms

Sudden onset of fatigue and weakness
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating (hepatic encephalopathy)
Bleeding or easy bruising due to impaired blood clotting
Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
Possible coma in severe cases

💊 Treatment

Immediate hospitalization, often in an intensive care unit (ICU)
Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g. antidote for paracetamol overdose)
Supportive care to stabilize vital functions
Management of cerebral edema and prevention of infections
Plasma or vitamin K to help with blood clotting
Liver transplantation in severe or irreversible cases
Monitoring of kidney function and electrolyte balance

📌 Summary

Definition: Acute liver failure is a rapid loss of liver function, often occurring in individuals without pre-existing liver disease. It is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical care.
Affected population: Individuals of all ages, but especially those with drug overdose (e.g. paracetamol), viral hepatitis, or exposure to toxins. It can also occur without a clearly identified cause.
Common causes: Drug toxicity (especially acetaminophen), viral hepatitis (A, B, or E), autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic disorders, and ingestion of toxic substances like poisonous mushrooms.

🛡️ Prevention

Avoid excessive use of paracetamol and follow dosage guidelines
Vaccination against hepatitis A and B
Limit alcohol consumption
Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and mushrooms
Use medications only under medical supervision
Regular liver check-ups if you have chronic liver disease