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The liver is an organ that sits just under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. It can weigh up to 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms). The liver is needed to help digest food, rid the body of waste products and make substances, called clotting factors, that keep the blood flowing well, among other tasks.
Liver disease can be passed through families, called inherited. Anything that damages the liver also can cause liver problems, including viruses, alcohol use and obesity....
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Liver disease doesn't always cause symptoms that can be seen or felt. If there are symptoms of liver disease, they may include:
Liver disease has many causes.
Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing swelling and irritation, called inflammation. Inflammation keeps the liver from working as it should. The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, bad food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected.
The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including:...
Treatment for liver disease depends on the diagnosis. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle changes. These might include losing weight or not drinking alcohol. These changes often are part of a medical program that includes watching liver function.
Other liver problems may be treated with medicines or surgery.
Liver disease that causes liver failure may need a liver transplant....
To prevent liver disease:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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