Liver disease: what to watch for and how medicines matter

Liver disease means any condition that stops your liver from working normally. That includes fatty liver, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related damage, autoimmune disease, and cirrhosis. The liver rebuilds itself, but repeated injury causes scarring that can be permanent. Early steps—like checking blood tests and adjusting medicines—often slow progress and prevent complications.

Common causes are hepatitis viruses (A, B, C), heavy drinking, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes, certain prescription drugs, toxins, and inherited conditions like hemochromatosis or Wilson disease. Sometimes the immune system attacks the liver. Knowing the cause matters because treatment focuses on fixing or controlling it.

Symptoms can be vague at first: tiredness, poor appetite, or belly discomfort. Watch for yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, persistent itching, swollen legs or belly, easy bruising, and confusion. Sudden severe belly pain, high fever, or vomiting blood need emergency care.

Tests and treatment

Doctors use blood tests called liver function tests to spot damage. They may check viral hepatitis markers, iron levels, autoimmune antibodies, and metabolic tests. Imaging like ultrasound, FibroScan, CT, or MRI looks for fat, scarring, or tumors. Sometimes a liver biopsy gives the clearest answer.

Treatment depends on cause. Antivirals can cure or control hepatitis B and C. Stop alcohol and get help for addiction if alcohol caused the damage. Weight loss and blood sugar control help fatty liver. For cirrhosis, doctors manage complications with medicines, endoscopy for varices, or procedures to remove fluid. In advanced failure, transplant may be the only option.

Many drugs need dose changes or avoidance in liver disease. Acetaminophen is safe at low doses but do not exceed recommended limits. Some antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and herbal supplements can harm the liver. Tell every provider about liver problems and check interactions before starting new medicines.

Small changes make a big difference. Cut alcohol completely if your liver is damaged. Aim for steady weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week if you have fatty liver. Control blood pressure and diabetes. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if you are at risk. Avoid unregulated supplements and practice safe sex and needle use.

See a doctor if you have persistent jaundice, swelling, worsening confusion, or bleeding. If tests show rising liver enzymes or new viral markers, follow up quickly. For people on long-term medicines that affect the liver, get regular blood checks and a plan to adjust treatment if needed.

Want practical help? We have guides on liver cancer in pregnancy, drug safety, and how common medicines affect kidneys and liver. Read specific articles to learn about interactions, safe dosing, and alternatives if a drug causes harm. Talk to a hepatologist when decisions are complex—your liver deserves informed care.

Quick tips

Quick tips: track alcohol intake, keep a list of all medicines and supplements, ask for liver-sparing options, schedule yearly ultrasound if you have cirrhosis, and carry emergency contact info if you develop bleeding or confusion. Small habits now reduce risk of major problems later. Talk to your pharmacist about safe dosing and interactions regularly.