UNDERSTANDING LIVER DAMAGE: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS
Liver disease is a significant public health concern in Scotland, with 17.4 chronic liver disease deaths per 100,000 population in Scotland in 2022. It is 5.5 times more prevalent in deprived areas compared to less deprived areas.
A
s frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support, and
offering essential services to patients affected by liver disease.
Causes and Risk Factors: Several factors contribute to the development of liver disease, including:
Alcohol Consumption: When alcohol is consumed, the liver breaks it down into by- products, including acetaldehyde, a toxic substance. Chronic alcohol consumption overwhelms the liver's ability to process these toxins, leading to various conditions such as alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome are closely linked to the development of non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterisied by the accumulation of fat in the liver. Insulin resistance and excess adipose tissue promote the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream, which are then taken up by the liver and stored as triglycerides. Over time, this leads to the development of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and liver cell injury. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions, ranging from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to non- alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The prevalence of NAFLD is closely associated with obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits, making it a significant public health concern.
Viral Hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses is a major pharmacological cause of liver damage, leading to progressive liver injury, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses primarily target liver cells, where they replicate and cause inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis. Chronic viral hepatitis can lead to long-term complications, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Hepatitis B is typically transmitted through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, while hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with contaminated blood. Injection drug use, unsafe medical procedures, and unprotected sexual intercourse are common
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