What is chronic inflammation of the liver?
Chronic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that lasts at least 6 months. Common causes include hepatitis B and C viruses and certain drugs. Most people have no symptoms, but some have vague symptoms, such as a general feeling of illness, poor appetite, and fatigue.
What causes chronic inflammation in the liver?
You can develop an inflamed liver because of excessive consumption of alcohol. The liver can also become swollen from processing too many other toxins, such as excess amounts of acetaminophen or other supplements and medications. Cirrhosis is the formation of scar tissue on the liver because of alcoholism or hepatitis.
Can chronic inflammation cause liver problems?
Hepatic inflammation is a common trigger of liver disease, and is considered the main driver of hepatic tissue damage, triggering the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to severe fibrogenesis and, finally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
What causes inflammation or damage to cells in the liver?
Chronic pathologic processes include viral infection, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and autoimmune diseases. Depending on the type of underlying liver injury, several mechanisms exist to trigger immune reactions. Chronic immune reactions lead to liver fibrosis.
Can liver inflammation be cured?
If your enlarged liver is the result of an acute condition, treating the condition will allow your liver to heal. If it’s the result of chronic liver disease, it can potentially be reversed and in some cases cured with lifestyle changes. For example: If you have alcohol use disorder, get help to quit drinking alcohol.
Can liver inflammation be reversed?
Chronic liver inflammation drives hepatic fibrosis, and current immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral therapies can weaken this driver. Hepatic fibrosis is reversed, stabilized, or prevented in 57%-79% of patients by conventional treatment regimens, mainly by their anti-inflammatory actions.
How can I reduce liver inflammation?
Prevention
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Follow directions when taking medications, vitamins or supplements.
- Limit contact with chemicals.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Use supplements with caution.