Liver Functions, Conditions & Problems
01-06-2017 | Posted By: Chhavi | 2496 View(s)
The liver is the largest gland in the human body that sits on the right-hand side of the belly and weighs about 3 pounds. It is a vital organ that performs many essential body functions.
The colour of the liver is reddish-brown, and it has a rubbery texture. The liver is protected by the rib cage, which is why usually people cannot feel the liver.
The liver is triangular in shape and has two larger sections, which are called the left and the right lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with the parts of the intestines and pancreas. The liver along with these organs work to digest, absorb and process food.
What are the Important Functions of the Liver?
The primary job of the liver is to filter the blood which comes from the digestive tract, before passing it to the other parts of the body.
Many other important functions of the liver are:
1. It detoxifies the blood so that it can get rid of harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs
2. It stores vitamins, iron and sugar glucose
3. It helps in converting stored sugar to functional sugar when the body’s sugar (glucose) fall below the normal level
4. It breaks down haemoglobin, insulin as well as other hormones
5. Another function of liver is that it converts ammonia to urea, which is crucial in metabolism
6. It destroys old Red Blood Cells
7. The liver also makes proteins which are necessary for blood clotting and other functions
What are the Different Types of Liver Conditions?
1. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a health condition characterised by the inflammation of the liver, which is usually caused by viruses such as Hepatitis A, B and C. There can also be certain non-infectious causes of Hepatitis such as drinking, drugs, obesity or allergic reactions
2. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is caused by long-term damage to the liver. The liver is then not able to function properly.
3. Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common type of liver cancer, occurs mostly after the development of cirrhosis.
4. Liver Failure
There are various causes of Liver Failure including infection, excessive consumption of alcohol and genetic diseases.
5. Ascites
After the development of cirrhosis, the liver starts leaking fluid (ascites) into the belly, which then becomes distended and heavy.
6. Gallstones
When a gallstone gets stuck in the bile duct draining the liver, it results in hepatitis and a bile duct infection.
7. Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a health disorder in which the body loads too much iron. This disease damages liver by allowing iron to deposit in the liver. If the condition does not get proper treatment at the right time, it can also damage joints, organs and can be fatal.
8. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis:
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is a disease that leads to inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts in the liver. It is a rare disease, the cause of which is unknown.
9. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
This is a rare disorder which destroys the bile ducts in the liver slowly and eventually causes permanent liver scarring (cirrhosis).
What are the Tests for Detecting Liver Problems?
Generally, Blood Tests and Imaging Tests are prescribed to screen for liver diseases.
List of Blood Tests:
1. Liver Function Panel
2. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
3. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
4. Alkaline phosphatase
5. Bilirubin
6. Albumin
7. Ammonia
8. Hepatitis A tests
9. Hepatitis B tests
10. Hepatitis C tests:
11. Prothrombin Time (PT):
12. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
List of Imaging Tests:
1. Ultrasound
2. CT scan (computed tomography)
3. Liver biopsy
4. Liver and spleen scan
How to Book Tests from Leading Pathology Labs?
You can book Liver Function Test along with other Pathology Tests at medylife.com from the comfort of your home. All that you need to do is log on and book tests online at discounted rates.
