Impaired liver function is not a condition that should be underestimated. If not treated quickly and appropriately, this condition has the potential to cause dangerous complications. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of liver function disorders so that treatment can be carried out immediately.
Liver function disorders can occur when the liver is damaged or injured, so it cannot work properly. Impaired liver function often occurs in people with liver disease.
Impaired liver function can be caused by various factors, ranging from infection, prolonged alcohol consumption, genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, liver cancer, to side effects of drugs, including drugs or herbal supplements.
Over time, liver damage that is not treated properly can lead to complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
Various Symptoms of Liver Function Disorders that Need to be Watched
In its early stages or when it is mild, liver dysfunction often causes no symptoms. However, if left untreated, over time, liver dysfunction can get worse and cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Jaundice
- Stomach ache
- Digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, hands and face
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Stools that are whitish in color or appear pale
- Tired, tired and lethargic
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Easy bruising or nosebleeds
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Bleeding
Handling Diseases Due to Liver Function Disorders
Impaired liver function can be caused by various things. Therefore, you need to see a doctor when you experience symptoms of liver function disorders. To evaluate your health condition and assess your liver function, your doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting tests, such as:
- Blood and urine test
- Liver and kidney function tests
- Radiological examination, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI of the liver
- Biopsy
Treatment of diseases due to impaired liver function depends on the results of the examination and doctor's diagnosis. Some liver disorders can be treated by monitoring liver function and improving lifestyle, stopping alcohol consumption, and losing weight.
Meanwhile, in certain cases, liver function disorders need to be treated with drugs and surgical procedures. If it causes permanent liver function failure, the doctor will perform liver transplant surgery to treat liver dysfunction.
How to Prevent Liver Function Disorders
To maintain a healthy liver and prevent liver function disorders, there are simple steps that you can apply in your daily life, namely:
1. Limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages
Consumption of alcoholic beverages in excess and in the long term is one of the common causes of impaired liver function. Therefore, you are advised to limit or even stop alcohol consumption.
2. Implement a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced nutritious diet, can reduce the risk of impaired liver function. Avoid risky sexual behavior, such as having unprotected sex.
3. Vaccination
Liver dysfunction can be caused by hepatitis, such as hepatitis B. Therefore, to prevent liver dysfunction, you need to get the hepatitis B vaccine.
4. Take medicines wisely
Consumption of medicines, both prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, only when needed and according to the recommended dosage and instructions for use. It's best to consult a doctor before you take herbal supplements, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs.
5. Avoid contact with other people's blood and body fluids
The hepatitis virus can be spread through the blood or fluids of an infected person. Therefore, avoid direct contact with the patient's blood or body fluids. Also avoid using unsterilized syringes or tattoo needles because this can put you at risk of contracting the hepatitis virus.
6. Protect yourself from exposure to toxic substances
Make sure the room is ventilated and use protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, when spraying toxic chemicals, such as insecticides, fungicides and paints. Always follow the instructions for use before spraying aerosolized materials into the room.
Until now, there is no alternative medicine that has been clinically proven to treat diseases caused by impaired liver function. You are still advised to prioritize medical treatment from a doctor.
It is also recommended to regularly check your health condition to the doctor and perform liver function tests regularly to ensure that you avoid liver function disorders.