Leberschäden

Leberschäden, also known as liver damage, refers to any harm or injury to the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. Damage can range in severity from mild and temporary to severe and life-threatening.

Causes of Leberschäden are diverse. Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C, is a common culprit. Excessive alcohol consumption is another leading cause, leading to conditions like alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Exposure to certain toxins, medications (drug-induced liver injury), and autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its own liver cells can also result in damage. Metabolic disorders like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often associated with obesity and diabetes, are increasingly recognized as significant contributors. Genetic conditions can also predispose individuals to liver problems.

Symptoms of Leberschäden can vary greatly depending on the cause and extent of the damage. Mild damage may be asymptomatic. As damage progresses, individuals might experience fatigue, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. In advanced stages, complications like liver failure can occur, presenting with confusion, internal bleeding, and coma. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to assess liver function, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes a liver biopsy for definitive evaluation. Treatment strategies are tailored to the underlying cause and aim to halt or reverse the damage, manage symptoms, and prevent further complications.