Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Liver disease is a broad term that describes health conditions that damage theliver. As the body’s largest internal organ, the liver helps with vital functions like digesting food, processing substances, and filtering waste. When a person develops liver disease, the organ becomes damaged and can’t work properly.
This article provides an overview of common types of liver disease and available treatment options.
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Types of Liver Disease
Liver disease generally refers to conditions that damage your liver. They can develop for many reasons, including:
Depending on the underlying cause, liver disease can typically be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes a liver transplant or surgery. If it’s left untreated, liver disease can cause serious complications that may be life-threatening.
Experts have identified more than 100 different types of liver disease.
Hepatitis
There are two main categories of hepatitis:
Some hepatitis cases clear up on their own if the body can fight off the infection. Other cases of hepatitis are “chronic,” meaning they last for long periods of time and often lead to serious health complications.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver diseaseis just what it sounds like: damage that happens when too much fat builds up in the liver.
There are two types of this condition:
Fatty liver disease can typically be treated with lifestyle changes, such asimproving your dietand reducing your alcohol intake.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditionshappen when theimmune system—the body’s protection against harmful infections—mistakenly attacks itself. When a person has an autoimmune liver condition, the liver cells are specifically attacked and damaged.
Common autoimmune liver conditions include:
While these autoimmune conditions share similar symptoms, each one causes damage in slightly different locations, responds differently to treatment, and is linked to different risk factors.
Genetic Conditions
Family history of a genetic liver condition isn’t always known. Blood testing and genetic testing can help determine a diagnosis.
What Is Alagille Syndrome?
Drug-Induced Liver Disease
Some common drugs that can have this effect on the liver include:
Depending on the drug and the person, liver damage can happen after short-term or long-term use. This damage can usually be successfully reversed and treated after stopping the drug.
It’s best to check with a healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine. Even though they’re available over-the-counter, overuse of supplements can lead toliver damage and other serious health issuesor interact with medications you’re currently taking.
Cancer
There are several different types ofliver cancerthat develop when cells start to grow abnormally, forming cancerous tumors.
Experts are still researching the exact causes of liver cancer, but they’ve identified several factors that may put a person at an increased risk for developing it, including:
It’s also possible forcertain cancers to spreadfrom other parts of the body to the liver, like from the breast, stomach, pancreas, lungs, or kidneys.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosisis severe scarring of the liver that happens after long-term damage. Because this scarring blocks blood flow to the liver, the organ isn’t able to function properly.
While there’s no cure for cirrhosis, some steps can be taken to stop the progression of the disease and heal some of the scarring.
What’s the Difference Between Hepatitis and Cirrhosis?
Liver Failure
Duringliver failure, the organ starts to shut down due to severe damage or inflammation. This can progress slowly over time or occur suddenly.
Liver failure can happen as a result of:
Causes of Liver Disease
There are several different reasons behind the development of liver disease. Some of the most common causes include:
Alcohol and Liver Effects: What’s Reversible vs. Permanent?
Liver Disease Risk FactorsAnyone can develop liver disease, but some people may be more at risk. For example, researchers have found that cirrhosis diagnosis is more common in men, people age 50 and older, people with type 2 diabetes, and people with heavy alcohol consumption habits.
Liver Disease Risk Factors
Anyone can develop liver disease, but some people may be more at risk. For example, researchers have found that cirrhosis diagnosis is more common in men, people age 50 and older, people with type 2 diabetes, and people with heavy alcohol consumption habits.
Liver Disease Symptoms
Liver disease doesn’t always come with noticeable symptoms. But when it does,some of the common signs include:
Keep in mind that these symptoms may vary depending on the person and the underlying cause of the liver disease.
Because symptoms aren’t always immediately noticeable, liver disease is often diagnosed in later stages.
Depending on the type of liver disease that’s suspected, a healthcare provider will review your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They may also order diagnostic tests, including:
An early diagnosis isn’t always possible, but it can prevent further damage to your liver. If accessible, scheduling annual physician exams and undergoing routine blood work can help you and your healthcare provider keep track of any changes to your liver’s health.
When to Call a Healthcare ProviderLiver disease can progress to become life-threatening if it’s not treated. Seek medical attention right away if you notice:Sudden yellowing of the eyes (and potentially the skin)Pain in the upper abdomenExtreme fatigueUnusual confusion or agitationNausea ordiarrhea
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Liver disease can progress to become life-threatening if it’s not treated. Seek medical attention right away if you notice:Sudden yellowing of the eyes (and potentially the skin)Pain in the upper abdomenExtreme fatigueUnusual confusion or agitationNausea ordiarrhea
Liver disease can progress to become life-threatening if it’s not treated. Seek medical attention right away if you notice:
Transaminitis (Liver Enzyme) Result: Meaning and Causes
A specific treatment plan for liver disease will depend on the exact diagnosis and the stage of the disease.
Liver disease is generally treated and managed with the following tactics:
How to Choose Good Foods for Your Liver
To help keep your liver healthy and avoid damage, experts recommend several preventive tips:
Summary
There are many different types of liver disease, which is a broad definition for any health condition that causes damage to the liver. This vital organ is responsible for helping the body perform functions like digesting food, processing substances, and filtering waste.
A Word From Verywell
Being diagnosed with a form of liver disease can feel scary, but try to remember that you’re not alone in this struggle and there are many treatment options available. There are even vaccinations available for certain ones, like hepatitis A and B. If you notice signs of a liver disease, contact a healthcare provider for an examination.
Learn MoreHow Long Can I Live With Alcoholic Liver Disease?
Liver disease starts with inflammation, leads to initial scarring (fibrosis), progresses to severe scarring (cirrhosis), and can potentially result in liver failure. As the last stage of liver disease, liver failure can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
It depends on the type of liver disease. Diseases like cirrhosis, for example, cannot be cured. But many cases of liver disease can be successfully managed with lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgery.
24 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Liver Foundation.Liver diseases.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is viral hepatitis?MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.MedlinePlus.Fatty liver disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other liver disorders.Zhang W, De D, Mohammed KA, Munigala S, Chen G, Lai JP, Bacon BR.New scoring classification for primary biliary cholangitis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome.Hepatol Comm.2018(2):3;245-253. doi:10.1002/hep4.1148Zarrilli F, Elce A, Scorza M, Giordano S, Amato F, Castaldo G.An update on laboratory diagnosis of liver inherited diseases.Biomed Res Int. 2013;697940. doi:10.1155/2013/697940American College of Gastroenterology.Medications and the liver.Navarro VJ, Khan I, Björnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH.Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements.Hepatol. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813American Cancer Society.Liver cancer risk factors.American Cancer Society.Liver metastases.Nusrat S, Khan MS, Fazili J, Madhoun MF.Cirrhosis and its complications: evidence based treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(18):5442–5460. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442American Liver Foundation.How liver diseases progress.Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.Acute liver failure.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for cirrhosis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Five reasons you may be at risk for liver disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Common characteristics of liver disease.Stanford Health Care.Liver function tests for chronic liver disease.MedlinePlus.Cirrhosis - discharge.George Washington University Hospital.Liver disease.American Liver Foundation.25 ways to love your liver health.Paik JM, Golabi P, Younossi Y, Mishra A, Younossi ZM.Changes in the global burden of chronic liver diseases from 2012 to 2017: the growing impact of NAFLD.Hepatol. 2020;72(5):1605-1616. doi:10.1002/hep.31173University of Chicago Medicine.Liver failure.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fast stats: Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Liver Foundation.Liver diseases.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is viral hepatitis?MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.MedlinePlus.Fatty liver disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other liver disorders.Zhang W, De D, Mohammed KA, Munigala S, Chen G, Lai JP, Bacon BR.New scoring classification for primary biliary cholangitis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome.Hepatol Comm.2018(2):3;245-253. doi:10.1002/hep4.1148Zarrilli F, Elce A, Scorza M, Giordano S, Amato F, Castaldo G.An update on laboratory diagnosis of liver inherited diseases.Biomed Res Int. 2013;697940. doi:10.1155/2013/697940American College of Gastroenterology.Medications and the liver.Navarro VJ, Khan I, Björnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH.Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements.Hepatol. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813American Cancer Society.Liver cancer risk factors.American Cancer Society.Liver metastases.Nusrat S, Khan MS, Fazili J, Madhoun MF.Cirrhosis and its complications: evidence based treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(18):5442–5460. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442American Liver Foundation.How liver diseases progress.Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.Acute liver failure.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for cirrhosis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Five reasons you may be at risk for liver disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Common characteristics of liver disease.Stanford Health Care.Liver function tests for chronic liver disease.MedlinePlus.Cirrhosis - discharge.George Washington University Hospital.Liver disease.American Liver Foundation.25 ways to love your liver health.Paik JM, Golabi P, Younossi Y, Mishra A, Younossi ZM.Changes in the global burden of chronic liver diseases from 2012 to 2017: the growing impact of NAFLD.Hepatol. 2020;72(5):1605-1616. doi:10.1002/hep.31173University of Chicago Medicine.Liver failure.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fast stats: Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Liver Foundation.Liver diseases.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is viral hepatitis?MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.MedlinePlus.Fatty liver disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other liver disorders.Zhang W, De D, Mohammed KA, Munigala S, Chen G, Lai JP, Bacon BR.New scoring classification for primary biliary cholangitis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome.Hepatol Comm.2018(2):3;245-253. doi:10.1002/hep4.1148Zarrilli F, Elce A, Scorza M, Giordano S, Amato F, Castaldo G.An update on laboratory diagnosis of liver inherited diseases.Biomed Res Int. 2013;697940. doi:10.1155/2013/697940American College of Gastroenterology.Medications and the liver.Navarro VJ, Khan I, Björnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH.Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements.Hepatol. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813American Cancer Society.Liver cancer risk factors.American Cancer Society.Liver metastases.Nusrat S, Khan MS, Fazili J, Madhoun MF.Cirrhosis and its complications: evidence based treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(18):5442–5460. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442American Liver Foundation.How liver diseases progress.Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.Acute liver failure.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for cirrhosis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Five reasons you may be at risk for liver disease.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Common characteristics of liver disease.Stanford Health Care.Liver function tests for chronic liver disease.MedlinePlus.Cirrhosis - discharge.George Washington University Hospital.Liver disease.American Liver Foundation.25 ways to love your liver health.Paik JM, Golabi P, Younossi Y, Mishra A, Younossi ZM.Changes in the global burden of chronic liver diseases from 2012 to 2017: the growing impact of NAFLD.Hepatol. 2020;72(5):1605-1616. doi:10.1002/hep.31173University of Chicago Medicine.Liver failure.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fast stats: Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
American Liver Foundation.Liver diseases.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is viral hepatitis?
MedlinePlus.Hepatitis.
MedlinePlus.Fatty liver disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other liver disorders.
Zhang W, De D, Mohammed KA, Munigala S, Chen G, Lai JP, Bacon BR.New scoring classification for primary biliary cholangitis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome.Hepatol Comm.2018(2):3;245-253. doi:10.1002/hep4.1148
Zarrilli F, Elce A, Scorza M, Giordano S, Amato F, Castaldo G.An update on laboratory diagnosis of liver inherited diseases.Biomed Res Int. 2013;697940. doi:10.1155/2013/697940
American College of Gastroenterology.Medications and the liver.
Navarro VJ, Khan I, Björnsson E, Seeff LB, Serrano J, Hoofnagle JH.Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements.Hepatol. 2017;65(1):363-373. doi:10.1002/hep.28813
American Cancer Society.Liver cancer risk factors.
American Cancer Society.Liver metastases.
Nusrat S, Khan MS, Fazili J, Madhoun MF.Cirrhosis and its complications: evidence based treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(18):5442–5460. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442
American Liver Foundation.How liver diseases progress.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.Acute liver failure.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for cirrhosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Five reasons you may be at risk for liver disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Common characteristics of liver disease.
Stanford Health Care.Liver function tests for chronic liver disease.
MedlinePlus.Cirrhosis - discharge.
George Washington University Hospital.Liver disease.
American Liver Foundation.25 ways to love your liver health.
Paik JM, Golabi P, Younossi Y, Mishra A, Younossi ZM.Changes in the global burden of chronic liver diseases from 2012 to 2017: the growing impact of NAFLD.Hepatol. 2020;72(5):1605-1616. doi:10.1002/hep.31173
University of Chicago Medicine.Liver failure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fast stats: Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
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