In the human body, the liver is a kind of filter. It cleanses the blood of toxic and other harmful compounds. Under the influence of various adverse factors, liver dysfunction can occur. The logical result is the disruption of the work of all organs and systems, since the blood entering them contains a large amount of harmful substances. To prevent this, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first signs of liver dysfunction. The specialist will issue a referral for a comprehensive examination and, based on the results of the diagnosis, will make the most effective treatment.
The concept of dysfunction
In this case, we are not talking about any particular pathological process. The term "dysfunction" refers to any violation.
The liver is an organ in which many chemicalreactions. Moreover, each of them has its own characteristics and is important in its own way for the normal functioning of the whole organism. If, under the influence of any triggering factor, at least one reaction begins to proceed incorrectly, it is customary to speak of a violation of the liver. This is due to the fact that the liquid connective tissue ceases to be cleaned properly, due to which harmful decay products are not completely removed from the body, but only partially.
Reasons
Liver dysfunction can occur under the influence of both external and internal provoking factors.
The first are:
- Living in adverse environmental conditions. Currently, liver diseases are most often diagnosed in residents of megacities.
- Failure to follow the principles of a he althy lifestyle.
- Incorrectly organized diet.
- Excessive consumption of fast food, fatty, fried, s alty, spicy and smoked foods.
- Uncontrolled medication intake.
- Frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Intrinsic causes of liver dysfunction:
- Pathologies of other internal organs (most often the stomach, gallbladder and pancreas).
- Mental disorders.
- Long exposure to stress.
- Frequent and vigorous exercise.
- Pathologies of an infectious nature.
Most often, the development of pathology occurs under the influence of severalprovoking factors.
Early clinical manifestations
Each of the possible ailments has its own signs, and therefore it is necessary to listen very sensitively to your body. Regarding where a person has a liver ache. This organ is located in the right hypochondrium, but it does not have nerve endings. That is why most patients go to the doctor in the later stages of the disease, when the liver increases significantly in size and presses on the capsule. The latter, on the contrary, has nerve endings. Against the background of the stretching of the shell, pronounced painful sensations arise.
The lack of nerve endings in the liver is a serious problem. This is due to the fact that more than 80% of cases are pathologies that are asymptomatic at an early stage, and then rapidly progress and end in death. In this regard, it is necessary to pay attention to other warning signs.
Symptoms of early liver dysfunction:
- Inexplicable feeling of tiredness.
- Depressive states.
- Permanent depression.
- Sleep disorders.
- Nausea.
- Frequent episodes of burping.
- Heartburn.
- Itching of the skin, which usually bothers at night.
- Yellowish complexion.
- Rash or spots on the skin.
- The appearance of a vascular pattern in the lower extremities, hands, neck or face.
Pregnant women suffering from persistent vomiting should tell their doctor. This is due to the fact that oftenThis condition in expectant mothers becomes liver dysfunction.
Advanced clinical manifestations
Most people attribute the first warning signs to fatigue. Meanwhile, the disease progresses and significantly impairs the functioning of other organs.
Symptoms of late stage dysfunction:
- Severe pain in the right hypochondrium. They can be aching, sharp or pulling. Their presence is due to stretching of the liver capsule.
- Smell from the mouth. It is specific, sweetish.
- Skin takes on a pronounced yellow tint.
- Pale. Occurs against the background of anemia.
- The appearance of age spots on the skin.
- Pronounced vascular pattern on different parts of the body.
- The veins begin to appear in the abdomen, which looks like varicose veins.
- Red spots appear on the palms.
- Tongue turns crimson.
- Dysmenorrhea (in women).
- Sexual dysfunction (in men).
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea turning into vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Bloating.
- Dramatic weight loss.
- Psycho-emotional instability.
- Fever.
In the later stages, a person's general well-being is so severe that he is unable to carry out daily activities. In such cases, urgent hospitalization is indicated.
Who should I contact?
Treatment of dysfunctionliver is handled by a hepatologist. But when the first alarming signs occur, it is recommended to consult a therapist in order to exclude the presence of a number of other diseases with similar symptoms. If necessary, the specialist will refer you for a consultation and further treatment to a hepatologist or gastroenterologist.
Diagnosis
During the reception, the doctor interrogates and examines the patient. Based on the results of the primary diagnosis, the specialist issues a referral for a comprehensive examination, which includes:
- Performing biochemical tests.
- Analysis of the acid-base composition of the blood.
- Ultrasound.
- Electroencephalography.
- CT.
- MRI.
If the doctor has suspicions about the presence of intoxication in the body, the patient must undergo a toxicological study.
Drug therapy
A specialist, based on the results of a comprehensive diagnosis, prescribes effective drugs for the liver. Drug therapy for dysfunction of this organ involves the use of drugs not on a synthetic, but on a plant basis. This is due to the fact that non-natural remedies negatively affect the functioning of the liver and can cause liver dysfunction.
Hepaprotectors are made exclusively from extracts of medicinal plants. They have a beneficial effect on liver cells, protecting and restoring the damaged organ. In addition, against the background of their intake, its degree of resistance to negative factors improves.
Drugs to restore the liver should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's he alth.
Currently, experts recommend taking the following hepaprotectors:
- "Ovesol". The product is available in the form of drops and tablets. The composition of the drug is represented exclusively by natural ingredients, due to the action of which the liver is restored and the body as a whole is healed. According to the instructions for use, "Ovesol" in tablets should be taken twice a day, 1 pill. The course of treatment is determined by the doctor, its average duration is 20 days. "Ovesol" for the liver in liquid form must also be consumed twice a day, 20 drops each. According to reviews, a positive effect occurs within a week after the start of treatment. In patients, pain, discomfort after eating disappear, weight normalizes. According to the instructions for use, "Ovesol" in both tablets and drops is not prescribed if a person has an individual intolerance to the components and cholelithiasis.
- "Allohol". This is a drug whose active substance enhances the production of bile. Allohol is intended to cleanse the liver and improve the functioning of the gallbladder. In addition, indications for taking the drug are: chronic hepatitis, cholangitis, cholecystitis, atonic constipation. To cleanse the liver, "Allohol" must be taken 3-4 times a day, 1-2 tablets. The duration of treatment is up to 1 month.
- Essentiale. An effective medicine for the liver. The drug is prescribed forcirrhosis, hepatitis (including alcohol), fatty degeneration of the organ. The tool is also effective against psoriasis and radiation syndrome. According to the instructions, "Essentiale" must be taken during meals three times a day, 2 capsules. A positive effect is noted within a few days after the start of the course of treatment.
- Galsten. This drug is prescribed to restore the liver and treat pathologies of the gallbladder. Available in the form of drops and tablets. The tool has only 2 contraindications: individual intolerance to the components and alcohol dependence. Tablets should be taken half an hour or 1 hour after a meal. Dosage regimen - three times a day, 1 pill or 10 drops. The course of treatment is, on average, 3 months. It is worth noting that the drug has only 1 possible side effect - an increased degree of salivation, but it also occurs only in isolated cases.
Currently, the pharmaceutical market sells many products designed to treat and restore the liver. The drugs that are prescribed by doctors most often are described above.
Folk methods
It is important to understand that the use of non-traditional methods does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical help. It is permissible to use folk methods for cleansing the liver, but only after obtaining the permission of a doctor. This is because some natural remedies may reduce the effectiveness of drug therapy.
Before cleansingthe liver needs preparation. In about 2 weeks, you need to make adjustments to your diet and follow the principles of a he althy diet. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the intensity of physical activity. Do not forget about the drinking regime.
Raisins can be used for cleaning. It must be thoroughly rinsed and filled with clean non-carbonated water in a ratio of 1: 2. After a few hours, the product can be used. This must be done strictly on an empty stomach. Both water and raisins soaked in it are suitable for cleansing. Course - 7 days.
Decoctions of the following herbs are also useful:
- ginseng;
- immortelle;
- St. John's wort;
- mint;
- corn silk;
- dandelion;
- milk thistle;
- wormwood;
- chamomile;
- yarrow;
- rosehip.
The list is not complete, but these plants are considered the most effective. It is allowed to prepare both mono- and multicomponent decoctions.
Features of food
Diet plays an important role in liver dysfunction. It involves eating boiled or steamed food. Fatty, fried, smoked foods should be excluded from the diet.
The menu must be present:
- cottage cheese;
- soups without frying;
- bad cookies;
- stale wheat bread (for 2nd or 3rd day);
- lean meat and fish;
- pasta;
- groats (buckwheat, rice, semolina, oatmeal);
- fermented milk products;
- protein omelette;
- potato;
- carrot;
- pumpkin;
- beets;
- cauliflower;
- sweet fruits.
From drinks it is recommended to give preference to non-carbonated water, tea and rosehip broth.
Possible consequences
If untreated, liver dysfunction progresses, and the disease that caused it becomes chronic. At the same time, the blood ceases to be fully cleansed of harmful compounds, which threatens with general poisoning of the body and disruption of most systems.
Forecast
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of the visit to the doctor. If the pathology is detected at an early stage, the prognosis is favorable.
Over time, the disease progresses, while the resources of the liver run out. If you do not see a doctor even at a late stage, there is a very high risk of death.
Prevention
There are no specific events. It is enough to follow the principles of a he althy diet and regularly expose the body to moderate physical activity. Residents of megacities are encouraged to relax in the fresh air as often as possible. In addition, avoid getting into stressful situations.
In conclusion
The liver is an organ that cleans the body of toxins and other harmful compounds. Chemical reactions are constantly taking place in it. Violation of at least one leads to liver dysfunction. To the doctorshould be contacted if any warning signs appear. The specialist will conduct diagnostic measures and draw up a treatment regimen.
