Blog
Liver Disease
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Liver disease refers to any condition that damages liver tissue and impairs its functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and bile production. Causes range from infections (hepatitis viruses) and toxins (alcohol, drugs) to metabolic disorders (NAFLD, Wilson’s) and genetic conditions. Early detection prevents progression to cirrhosis or cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely: fatigue, anorexia, right-upper-abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching, easy bruising, swelling in legs or belly, and confusion in advanced hepatic encephalopathy. Many liver diseases remain asymptomatic until substantial damage has occurred.
Causes
Causes include viral hepatitis, alcohol misuse, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic disorders (PSC, PBC), genetic diseases (hemochromatosis, Wilson’s), drug-induced injury (acetaminophen overdose), and vascular conditions (Budd–Chiari).
Risk Factors
Risk factors include heavy alcohol intake, obesity, diabetes, unsafe sex or needle use, certain medications, chemical exposures, and family history of genetic liver disorders.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves liver enzyme testing, viral serologies, imaging (ultrasound, FibroScan), and sometimes biopsy. Lab markers help differentiate hepatocellular injury, cholestasis, or synthetic dysfunction. Scoring systems such as MELD predict prognosis.
Treatments
Treatment targets underlying cause: antivirals for hepatitis, weight loss for NAFLD, immunosuppressants for autoimmune disease, phlebotomy for iron overload, and transplantation for end-stage disease. Symptom management includes diuretics for ascites and lactulose for encephalopathy.
Prevention
Prevention includes HBV vaccination, limiting alcohol, maintaining healthy weight, safe sex, needle hygiene, and regular screening for high-risk individuals. Early intervention halts disease before irreversible scarring develops.
Our Take
Covenant’s Liver Wellness Program integrates hepatologists, nutritionists, and lifestyle coaches to address each contributor—from metabolic issues to viral infections—preventing complex, late-stage liver disease.
Your liver works quietly until it can’t. Covenant helps keep it healthy through preventive care, timely treatment, and holistic metabolic management.
