Inflammatory Responses Cause Disease

Because the liver has so many vital functions, liver damage prevention is important. Liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis are caused by inflammation of the liver. The long-term abuse of ethanol alcohol sets off the inflammatory responses in the liver which lead to Alcoholic Liver Disease. 

Alcoholic Liver Disease 

Thirty-six thousand people die every year from diseases caused by alcohol consumption. "Heavy drinking" is defined as ingesting more than one drink a day for women, and four drinks a day for men. A drink consists of only 1.2 tablespoons of pure ethanol.

The first stage of ALD is the excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the liver cells. This is known as "Fatty Liver Disease." Fatty liver is reversible upon alcohol abstinence. The American Liver Foundation states that the majority of alcoholics have FLD but may be unaware of symptoms such as weight loss or weakness.

The second stage of Alcoholic Liver Disease is alcoholic hepatitis. Thirty-five percent of alcoholics develop hepatitis, which is inflammation and scarring of the liver. Upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, weakness and nausea are common. Alcoholic hepatitis is treatable but not reversible. 

Cirrhosis occurs during end-stage liver disease. Liver function is impaired due to the formation of nodules and scars. The abdomen may fill with fluid (ascites). An alcoholic may vomit blood or bleed from the rectum. Anemia and malnourishment are common.

Viral Hepatitis

According to the CDC, viral infection is "the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation." The CDC indicates that 80,000 people are infected with viral hepatitis each year. 

Hepatitis A is transmitted by the ingestion of fecal material from an infected individual. Frequent hand washing and vaccination can reduce transmission of the disease. The infection may range from mild to severe and may last up to several months. 

Hepatitis B is spread via bodily fluids, through sexual contact or by sharing of needles or syringes. Infection can be acute or chronic and may prove fatal. A preventative vaccine is available. 

Hepatitis C is commonly spread by the sharing of needles. It can also be fatal. There is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Congestive Heart Failure

Right-sided heart failure may lead to liver congestion. This may cause jaundice, enlarged liver and reduced blood clotting capacity. The risk for developing CHF can be reduced by maintaining proper weight, avoiding smoking and monitoring hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes.

Sclerosing Cholangitis

According to the National Institutes of Health, sclerosing cholangitis is a condition which causes "bile ducts inside and outside the liver [to] become narrowed and scarred." Although this condition is found mostly in patients with IBS, the condition can be caused from chemical toxins and infection. 

Acute Liver Failure 

The sudden onset of liver failure can be drug induced. An overdose of antibiotics, acetaminophen, or anti-convulsants can cause acute liver failure. Cancer, auto-immune, vascular and certain metabolic diseases are also culprits.

Oral contraceptives can cause the formation of blood clots in the hepatic veins and the inferior vena cava of the liver. Budd Chiari syndrome may occur during hepatic vein thrombosis. The syndrome includes ascites, enlargement of the liver, stomach pain and ultimately, liver failure. Blood tests may help diagnose drug-induced liver disease.