The liver is the central metabolic organ of the human body. Diseases of the liver therefore often have far-reaching consequences, as restrictions in liver function can affect the entire body. The “cardinal symptom” of liver diseases is jaundice (icterus), the yellowing of the skin. This occurs because the liver is no longer able to sufficiently convert and break down the bilirubin dye that is produced and this dye is deposited in the skin, for example. Below you will find a clear explanation of the most important diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
Classification of liver and gallbladder diseases
You will find the diseases of the liver and gallbladder classified by
- Inflammations of the liver
- Structural diseases of the liver
- Gall bladder diseases
- Other diseases of the liver and gall bladder
Inflammations of the liver
The inflammation of the liver is divided into hepatitis A – E. Hepatitis C is caused by a specific virus, the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is mainly transmitted by the bloodstream, most frequently in drug addicts who reuse or share needles. Sexual transmission of the virus plays a minor role.
Acute hepatitis C remains asymptomatic in 75% of patients. However, the problematic aspect of hepatitis C is that in about 80% of cases the acute infection turns into chronic liver inflammation, which in turn can develop into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The course of a hepatitis C infection can therefore be fatal.
The virus can be fought by modern aggressive drugs and a cure is possible. Detailed information can be found under Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B is in turn caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is the most common form of hepatitis.
The hepatitis B virus is contained in various body fluids of those affected and sexual transmission plays a far more important role than in hepatitis C. Transmission from mother to child during birth or while breastfeeding is also possible and represents the most common source of infection in developing countries. In comparison to hepatitis C, hepatitis B is usually not chronic, and only 10% of those infected develop chronic hepatitis. Another major difference is that there is a vaccine against hepatitis B, which in Germany is administered in early childhood as part of the “6-fold vaccination” and protects against infection.
Detailed information can be found under Hepatitis B. Less frequent and better prognosticated liver inflammations are hepatitis A, D and E. Hepatitis A is a typical travel disease and is transmitted in vacation countries with low hygiene standards, e.g. through contaminated water. Typical symptoms include fever, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus. However, an infection with this virus is only possible if the person concerned is already suffering from hepatitis B! Hepatitis D is therefore very rare overall, as the majority of the population cannot develop the disease.
Hepatitis E is transmitted in Germany mainly via raw (wild) pork (e.g. minced pork). It is important to note that the risk of infection increases significantly during pregnancy and the course of the disease is also less favorable in pregnant women! Therefore, pregnant women should avoid raw pork at all costs! You will find more detailed information under Hepatitis A, Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E.
All articles in this series:
