There are more than 100 different types of liver disease; likewise, there
are a variety of factors that can lead to liver disease.Common causes of liver disease include:
Viral infections such as hepatitis B and C
Genetics
Underlying autoimmune disease
Alcohol abuse
Obesity
Poor diet/lifestyle
Certain drugs, medications, and chemicals
Diagnosis
Finding the cause and extent of liver damage is important in guiding
treatment. Your doctor is likely to start with a health history and
thorough physical examination.
Recommended tests:
Blood tests. A group of blood tests called liver function tests can be used
to diagnose liver disease. Other blood tests can be done to look for
specific liver problems or genetic conditions.
Imaging tests. An ultrasound, CT scan and MRI can show liver damage.
Checking a tissue sample. Removing a tissue sample (biopsy) from your liver
may help diagnose liver disease and look for signs of liver damage. A liver
biopsy is most often done using a long needle inserted through the skin to
extract a tissue sample that’s sent to a lab for confirmation.
