májbetegséget

Májbetegség refers to any disease that negatively affects the structure or function of the liver. The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous bodily functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. There are many types of liver disease, often categorized by their cause or the way they affect the liver.

Common causes of liver disease include viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, and C. Alcohol abuse is another significant contributor, leading to conditions like alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis, which can progress to cirrhosis. Autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system attacks the liver, are also a cause. Genetic disorders like hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Wilson's disease (copper accumulation) can also damage the liver. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often associated with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, is increasingly prevalent.

Symptoms of liver disease can vary widely depending on the specific condition and its severity. Early stages may be asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, swelling in the abdomen and legs, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Treatment strategies are tailored to the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications to manage symptoms or treat infections, antiviral therapies, immunosuppressants, or in severe cases, liver transplantation.