Renal Disease Flashcards
Risk factors that may increase the risk of liver disease include:
heavy alcohol use
obesity
type 2 diabetes
tattoos or body piercings
injecting drugs using shared needles
blood transfusion before 1992
exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids
unprotected sex
exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
family history of liver disease
how is hepA spread?
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is spread through infected stool, and is more of an acute, short-term infection. There is a vaccine available.
how is hep B spread?
Hepatitis B virus is spread through blood and some other body fluids. This also has a vaccine available. Hepatitis B can last for a short period of time, or it can develop into a long-term illness leading to liver cancer and liver failure. Because of the required vaccination of healthcare professionals, this condition is not common in the United States.
how is hep C spread?
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood. There is no vaccine available at this time. This condition causes a long-term illness leading to liver cancer and failure.
Chronic liver failure, or liver failure that occurs over many years, may cause:
fatigue
nausea
loss of appetite
diarrhea
vomiting blood
blood in the stool
As liver failure advances, symptoms become more severe. In later stages, symptoms of liver failure may include:
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
extreme tiredness
disorientation (confusion and uncertainty)
fluid buildup in the abdomen and extremities (arms and legs)
becoming a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention
what are the stages of liver damage?
1) healthy liver, 2) fatty liver, 3) Fibrous liver, 4) liver cirrhosis, 5) liver cancer
What are some effects of portal hypertension caused by liver disease?
esophageal varices, ascites, splenomegaly, hemorrhoids
