Story By :John Kofi Appiah
“Is Life Worth Living? It all depends on the LIVER” …. William James
The philosopher, William James, definitely did not have the human organ in mind when he made the statement above but it is just as apt. Do you ever think about your liver? I bet you would when it stops working. On that note, I find it prudent to educate ourselves on the second largest organ in the body. You should know these health questions about the liver:
1 Where is the Liver located in the body?
The liver is at the Right Upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. Shaped like a cone, the reddish-brown organ, is hidden just under your rib cage.
2 What does the Liver Do?
The liver is a major metabolic organ responsible for numerous functions:
-It removes various toxins from the blood
-Produces bile for lipid digestion
-Maintains levels of lipids, amino acids, and glucose in the blood
-Stores sugar for future use
-Protein and cholesterol production
-Production of clotting factors
-Storage of Vitamins
3 How does Obesity Affect My Liver?
A BMI of 25- 29 is overweight and anything >, 30 is obese. Obesity is linked with fatty infiltration of liver cells and subsequent swelling and death of the liver cells. May progress to cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Cancer as well.
Try to lose some weight with a healthy diet and exercise to ensure a healthy liver.
4 How does Alcohol Affect My Liver?
Sustained, long-term intake of alcohol is also related to swelling and death of liver cells. I advise cessation, if not possible, limit to 4-6 drinks a week and less than 2 in a day (zero is safest). Early cessation may be helpful as down the road, Alcoholic hepatitis progresses to irreversible damage (cirrhosis).
5 What is Viral Hepatitis?
Inflammation of the liver is caused by a group of viruses, notably: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. Hep A & E are acute and self-limiting, transmitted by eating contaminated food or water. E, however, could be life-threatening in pregnant women.
Hep B, C & D are transmitted parenterally (blood, unprotected sex, childbirth), they may be chronic, and are associated with Liver Cancer. You should note that they may have Carrier states whereby an infected person shows no symptoms.
Also, A, B, and D have vaccines.
6 What Symptoms will I notice in Liver Disease?
Liver Disease may be silent, but not having symptoms doesn’t mean the disease isn’t serious. You should look out for the following:
-Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
-Tea colored urine
-Clay colored stools
-Persistent body itching
-Chronic tiredness
-Feet swelling
-Abdominal Swelling
7 Should you get a Liver test on your next Health Check-up?
You should discuss the need, if any, with your physician. The current prophylactic medicine approach to health should include your liver. There are blood tests available to assess liver function. Discuss any concerns you may have about the liver with your physician.
After all, if life is worth living…… It all depends on the LIVER!
Story By :John Kofi Appiah
Senior House Officer
Achimota Hospital
Accra, Ghana.
