Bacterial causes
Some bacteria can also lead to liver inflammation, such as the pathogen causing tuberculosis or syphilis. There are also some fungal or parasitic diseases that lead to inflammation of the liver.
Other causes
Liver inflammation can also occur as a result of damage with toxic substances, such as excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time. However, certain drugs also damage the liver, for example the painkillers diclofenac or paracetamol. “Physical” forms of inflammation of the liver occur after liver bruises and are known as post-traumatic hepatitis.
However, previous radiotherapy can also lead to inflammation of the liver. Other triggers for liver inflammation may also be located outside the liver. For example, inflammation can rise from the bile ducts to the liver, where it can also trigger inflammation. There are also congenital causes of liver inflammation, which include iron or copper storage diseases.
Diagnosis of inflammation of the liver
The inflammation of the liver is determined by the doctor by means of blood tests, during which the cause of the disease (viruses, bacteria, metabolic disease) can also be determined. In addition, the blood test can also determine how advanced the inflammation of the liver is.
Consequences of inflammation of the liver
An inflammation of the liver causes the death of liver tissue (necrosis) in the long term. Since the liver has a high regenerative capacity, new cells can be formed after the inflammation has subsided and no damage is done to the liver after an acute illness. If there is a chronic inflammation, the liver can no longer produce enough new cells and the performance of the organ decreases.
More connective tissue is formed in the liver and nodes are formed which are irreversible. The resulting clinical picture is called cirrhosis of the liver. Especially infections with hepatitis B or C can also lead to cancer of the liver.
Therapy and Prophylaxis
Vaccination against hepatitis viruses to prevent infection and special precautions in areas with low hygiene standards help to prevent liver inflammation. Furthermore, one should only drink alcohol in moderation. If symptoms of liver inflammation occur, a doctor should be consulted. How the inflammation of the liver is treated depends on the cause.
