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Life Loves a (Healthy) Liver

The liver is a big part of the body’s filtration system.  And it is also home to a number of maladies and illnesses if you aren’t careful in caring for it.

It is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood and fights infections.  The liver can get inflamed or damaged by heavy alcohol use, toxins some medications and certain medical conditions. Then there is the viral condition called hepatitis.

How will you know when or if you have liver issues that need to be treated at the ER? You suffer from one of the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding from the rectum or a bloody stool.
  • Bloody vomit.
  • Fever with shaking.
  • Confusion and sleepiness that keep you from doing anything.
  • Yellow eyes indicating jaundice.

What are the causes of these symptoms? What brings them on?

  • The hepatitis viruses, A, B and C.
  • Fatty liver disease and cirrhosis brought on by drugs, poisons or excessive alcohol.
  • Liver cancer.
  • Inherited diseases including hemochromatosis and Wilson disease.

What’s the best way to keep your liver healthy?

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid toxins like aerosols, insecticides and additives.
  • Be responsible with alcohol.
  • Don’t use illicit drugs.
  • Practice effective hygiene and safe sex.
  • Keeping vaccinations up to date.
  • Wash your hands.

Frontline ER is an acute care emergency room providing healthcare services to the communities we live and work within. Give us a call or contact us through our website should you have more questions about our services.

*photos courtesy of Unsplash (photographers: Andrew Coop, Nathan Dumlao)

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