Acute and chronic liver diseases are among the most dreaded conditions in the world. The liver helps in detoxification, blood production, water balance, and filtering blood. There is a wide range of symptoms which can indicate if you have a liver disease or not. The article discusses how to detect liver problems before a transplant; so that you are able to take the necessary precautions for your body’s health.
What is a Liver Transplant?
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure in which one; or more healthy organs are removed from a deceased donor and replaced with an artificial organ. It is important to understand the process so that you can avoid complications; and get the most out of your transplant.
Causes of Liver Problems
Liver disease is the leading cause of death in patients waiting for a transplant. In order to avoid problems, it is important to detect liver problems early and treat them. The most common symptom of liver disease is when someone experiences abdominal pain and discomfort. However, there are other symptoms that should be taken into consideration such as jaundice, dark skin tone, and elevated bilirubin levels.
Symptoms of Liver Problems
Liver problems have the potential to cause permanent damage or even death. It is important to undergo regular blood tests that can detect signs of liver problems before a liver transplant. Liver transplant patients will also need to avoid certain medications and foods because they can cause serious illness.
Causes of Liver Failure
If a patient has liver problems, it is important to detect the issue and get treatment. The most common causes of liver failure include cirrhosis, hepatitis, certain types of cancer, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and diabetes. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice.
Ways to Prevent Liver Failure from Occurring in the Future
Many people have heard that a healthy liver is crucial for living a healthy life. The liver provides us with most of the nutrients we need, helps us break down food, and eliminates waste from our bodies. However, it is not a simple process to avoid the onset of liver problems. It takes years for the symptoms of liver damage to show up and by that time, it may be too late to save your life.
When to Consider a Liver Transplant
Some liver problems like cirrhosis will only be detected during a biopsy, which is not usually done until the person has been on dialysis for at least three months. If you are thinking about undergoing a transplant, talk with your doctor and consider having a consult with a transplant specialist before the surgery.
Conclusion
It’s hard to imagine that you could live a healthy life and take the necessary precautions against liver problems, but there is hope. During this process, you should use your head to detect small signs such as jaundice or high bilirubin levels that could indicate problems with your liver.