The 4 Stages Of Liver Disease Explained

Your liver is a powerful organ that plays a central role in maintaining overall health and well-being. One of its most important functions is removing toxins from the blood. It also helps metabolise carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, converting them into energy and essential nutrients. Additionally, the liver stores important nutrients, helps with protein synthesis and regulates blood sugars.

While your liver is a critical organ, it is also vulnerable to the toxins it processes. Too many toxins can overwhelm your liver's resources and ability to function. A significant rise in liver disease has been observed over the past years. Factors like unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, rising obesity rates, heavy alcohol consumption and long-term use of certain medications are major culprits. Liver disease typically progresses through four stages. Keep reading to understand these stages in detail.

4 Stages of Liver Disease

Stage 1: Inflammation

In this early stage, your liver becomes enlarged or inflamed. Liver inflammation can happen due to various causes, such as viral infections, alcohol consumption, or autoimmune diseases. If the inflammation continues, permanent liver damage can occur.

Symptoms: Most individuals with liver inflammation do not experience symptoms. But some may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, or mild liver dysfunction.

Stage 2: Fibrosis

In response to ongoing inflammation, the liver begins to develop scars (fibrosis). This scar tissue can affect your liver's ability to function optimally.

Symptoms: At this stage, symptoms may remain mild, making it difficult to detect fibrosis. However, fatigue and discomfort may worsen. Blood tests may show signs of liver dysfunction.

Stage 3: Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis indicates serious liver damage. At this stage, severe liver scarring has occurred, where significant portions of healthy liver tissue are replaced by scar tissue. Cirrhosis can lead to severe complications like portal hypertension (increased pressure in the portal vein) and liver failure. At this stage, it becomes very difficult for your liver to function properly.

Symptoms: At this stage, symptoms of liver disease can be easily recognised. Individuals may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), swollen abdomen, confusion, and bleeding or bruising easily.

Stage 4: End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD)

In ESLD, the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function effectively. This stage often leads to life-threatening complications, requiring urgent medical attention. ESLD is an umbrella term used to describe conditions like chronic liver failure, stage 4 hepatitis C and advanced cirrhosis.

Symptoms: The symptoms at stage 4 are typically severe and may include confusion due to hepatic encephalopathy, persistent jaundice, severe swelling in the legs and abdomen, and multi-organ failure.

Liver failure can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of liver disease from stage 1. Seeking medical help on time can help save lives.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.