Chronic liver disease
Chronic Liver Disease
Chronic liver disease (/krɒnɪk ˈlɪvər dɪˈziːz/), also known as chronic hepatic disease, is a broad term that encompasses any disease that results in the gradual destruction and regeneration of the liver tissue over a long period of time.
Etymology
The term "chronic" is derived from the Greek word "khronos" meaning time, indicating a long-term condition. "Liver" is derived from the Old English "lifer", and "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise", meaning lack of ease.
Types of Chronic Liver Disease
There are several types of chronic liver disease, including:
- Hepatitis: Chronic inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infection.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term damage.
- Alcoholic liver disease: Damage to the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Accumulation of fat in the liver cells, often associated with obesity and diabetes.
- Autoimmune liver disease: Conditions in which the body's immune system attacks the liver.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic liver disease may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. In advanced stages, it can lead to complications such as liver failure and liver cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of chronic liver disease typically involves blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes a liver biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment for chronic liver disease depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and in severe cases, liver transplantation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chronic liver disease
- Wikipedia's article - Chronic liver disease
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