Hepatic dysfunction
What is Hepatic Dysfunction?
Hepatic dysfunction is an umbrella term that can be used to describe a wide variety of conditions that affect liver health, such as liver disease, injury, or failure. While liver disease is the most common cause of hepatic dysfunction, many other conditions can lead to liver problems, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic disorders, and exposure to toxic substances.
Symptoms of Hepatic Dysfunction
Symptoms of hepatic dysfunction vary depending on the severity of the condition and can range from minor signs and symptoms, such as fatigue and nausea, to life-threatening complications, such as jaundice, swelling of the abdomen, and loss of consciousness.
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Causes of Hepatic Dysfunction
The most common causes of hepatic dysfunction are liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, and cancer. Other causes of hepatic dysfunction include:
- Alcoholism
- Autoimmune disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Medications
- Obesity
- Infections
Diagnosis of Hepatic Dysfunction
To diagnose hepatic dysfunction, your doctor will first conduct a physical examination and discuss your medical history with you. They may then order tests to determine the severity of the condition, such as blood, urine, and imaging tests. Additional tests may be necessary depending on the underlying cause of the hepatic dysfunction.
Treatment of Hepatic Dysfunction
Treatment of hepatic dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Generally, the goal of treatment is to restore normal liver function. Common treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. It is important to speak with your doctor about the best treatment option for you.