Yourliveris one of the largest organs in your body.It plays the important role of removing toxins from your body.
It also helps you digest food and stores sugar that the body will later use for energy.
There are many different types ofliver disease, includingcirrhosis,hepatitis, andcancer.
Alona Siniehina / Getty Images
If you have a parent or sibling who has genetic liver disease, talk to your healthcare provider.
You may want to avoid alcohol and get an annualliver enzyme testto check the health of your liver.
The rates of hereditary hemochromatosis are highest among Whites, where about 1 in 300 people have the disease.
That in turn can lead to liver diseases likehepatitisandcirrhosis.
Wilson’s disease is very rare, affecting 1 in 30,000 people.
Other Genetic Liver Diseases
Genetics are a risk factor even for liver diseases that have environmental causes.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Lifestyle factors play a large role in liver disease.
Alcohol Use
The liver breaks down alcohol.
Eventually, fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis.
Obesity
Having an unhealthy weight can increase your risk for health conditions, includingdiabetesandhigh cholesterol.
These in turn increase your risk ofnonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
With this condition, fats build up in the liver, increasing your risk of cirrhosis and cancer.
Its very common, affecting 20% to 40% of the population in the United States.
Viruses
Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, can be due to viruses.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are viral strains that can cause hepatitis.
They can be passed through sharing needles or having unprotected sex (condomless sex).
Practicing safer sex, avoiding drugs, and getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of hepatitis.
Summary
Liver disease is a growing problem facing Americans.
Some people are at increased risk for liver disease because of their genetics.
Early intervention can help reverse liver disease.
A Word From Verywell
Liver disease is progressive and very serious.
It can be scary to learn that youre at risk for liver disease.
However, knowing your risk factors can also be empowering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, researchers believe theres a strong genetic component to liver disease.
However, lifestyle factors including how much you drink also play an important role in liver disease.
Alcohol intake is one cause of liver disease.
However, its possible to develop liver disease even if you dont drink.
Swelling of the liver is one of the first signs of liver disease.
It can cause pain in the upper right abdomen.
You may notice othersigns, including jaundice, nausea, and bloating.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.5 reasons you may be at risk for liver disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hereditary hemochromatosis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Liver disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Alcoholic liver disease.
American Cancer Society.Liver cancer risk factors.
