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Liver Disease Introduction |
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The Liver is
the largest glandular organ in the
human body and has a central role in
maintaining health. Among the
liver's most important of functions are
the detoxification
of blood from substances, such as drugs (including alcohol), hormones,
and other impurities. An interesting
feature of the liver is its dual
blood supply, known as portal
circulation. The arterial blood
supply to the liver orginates from
the the Aorta, while the Portal vein
leads from the digestive organs. Disorders of
the liver include; fatty liver,
Cirrhosis, and Hepatitis, among
others. |
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The liver's
primary function is the breaking down
of hemoglobin, which it then secretes into the digestive
tract as conjugated bilirubin.
Because of this process, it is
common for irregularities in liver
function to result. These
irregularities may result in
symptoms that include the yellowing of
the skin and eyes; also known as jaundice. Other symptoms of liver disease
can
include:
Symptoms of liver
disease are variable depending
on the severity and type of the
disorder.
Alcoholic Liver
Disease is caused by chronic
and excessive consumption of
alcoholic beverages. Typically,
liver disease due to alcohol
consumption usually becomes
symptomatic when patients are in
their 30's, with major symptoms
appearing in their 40's.
Infectious disease
of the liver often results with
contact with contaminated water,
food, and fecal matter. Hepatitis B
is another disease that may
adversely affect the liver and can be transmitted sexually.
Cleanliness is an important factor
in preventing the spread of
infectious diseases of the liver.
Food handling must be done with care.
Personal hygiene and safer sex
practices are also integral for
reducing the risks of transmission as well.
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Learn More About
Liver Disease |
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