What is liver disease?
Liver disease refers to any condition that affects how the liver functions. This includes the ability to digest food, regulate metabolism, and filter toxins from the blood. When the liver becomes inflamed or damaged, these vital processes are disrupted, affecting overall health.
Diseases of the liver can develop suddenly or progress over time. Some liver conditions are temporary and improve with treatment, while others are long-lasting and need ongoing management. Experts at Penn Medicine provide comprehensive care for all types of liver disease, combining advanced testing with innovative therapies.
Types of liver disease
Liver disease is generally classified as acute (short term) or chronic (long term).
Acute liver diseases appear suddenly, often within days or weeks, and can cause severe symptoms that require urgent medical care. Causes such as hepatitis A or damage from medications or toxins can lead to acute inflammation and, in rare cases, liver failure.
Chronic liver diseases develop gradually over months or years. Ongoing inflammation or illness leads to scarring (fibrosis) that can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if untreated. Chronic forms of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, as well as autoimmune diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis, are common examples.
Signs and symptoms of liver disease
Liver disease often develops slowly, and symptoms can vary depending on how advanced it is. In the early stages, signs may be mild and easy to miss. Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, mild abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool may appear first.
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) can occur when the liver can’t properly remove waste from the blood. Some people bruise easily or develop ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Confusion or trouble thinking clearly may also begin.
In advanced liver disease, symptoms can become severe. People may have significant swelling from ascites, vomit blood, or experience extreme confusion or drowsiness, or even coma. In the most serious cases, liver failure can affect other organs and become life-threatening.
Because early symptoms are often subtle, anyone at risk for liver disease should talk with a healthcare provider about screening and regular monitoring.
What causes liver disease?
Liver disease can develop for many different reasons. Some causes are temporary and reversible, while others can lead to lasting damage if not treated.
Long-term alcohol use can damage liver cells and lead to alcoholic liver disease. In people who drink little or no alcohol, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
Certain autoimmune or genetic conditions can also affect liver function. Primary biliary cirrhosis causes the body’s immune system to attack the small bile ducts inside the liver, while inherited disorders such as Wilson’s disease or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can lead to toxic buildup of substances that harm liver cells.
Other causes include drug or toxin exposure, such as taking too much acetaminophen or being exposed to certain herbal supplements or industrial chemicals.
Over time, any cause of chronic liver disease may result in cirrhosis. In some cases, liver cancer can develop from the scarring and cellular changes that occur.
How liver disease is diagnosed
Doctors diagnose liver disease using a combination of exams and tests. They start by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical exam. Blood tests help indicate liver function and signs of infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disease. Abdominal imaging tests may be ordered to help assess the liver’s size, texture, and any scarring. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to confirm a diagnosis or determine the stage of disease. Other specialized tests may also be recommended.
Liver disease treatment and management
Treatment for liver disease depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Many people benefit from lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling diabetes or high blood pressure. Medications may be prescribed to treat specific causes, like antivirals for hepatitis, immunosuppressants for autoimmune liver disease, or special drugs to remove excess iron or copper in inherited conditions. Supportive care often includes good nutrition, managing fluid buildup, and treating infections. For advanced liver damage, surgery may be the best option.
Working together to preserve your liver health and function
At Penn Medicine, people with liver disease receive care from a collaborative team that brings together nationally recognized experts in gastroenterology, hepatology, interventional radiology, oncology, surgery, and transplantation. This integrated approach offers comprehensive evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your individual condition and overall health.
Whether managing acute or chronic liver disease, or addressing complex conditions that involve the liver, our specialists provide seamless access to every level of care, including minimally invasive surgery and one of the nation’s top liver transplant programs. Our goal is to restore liver health, improve quality of life, and offer hope for even the most challenging cases.