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what is liver infection
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Digestive Health
Question #14503
5 days ago
27

what is liver infection - #14503

Aisha

I am really worried about this weird pain in my upper right abdomen that I've been having for a few weeks now. It started off as just a dull ache, but now it sometimes gets sharp. A friend mentioned it might be a liver infection, which I had no clue about! Like, what is liver infection, anyway? I don’t know if I’m freaking out over nothing, but I also feel kinda nauseous at times and my appetite isn’t great. I went to see my doctor, and they did some blood tests, but I’m still waiting for the results. They said something about liver enzymes being elevated? My family has some history of liver issues, but I thought I was in the clear! What is liver infection? Are there specific tests I should be pushing for, or symptoms I should be looking out for while I wait? It’s hard not to stress out thinking about what this could mean. Is it serious? What is liver infection even caused by? I guess I just need to understand better while I'm in this limbo waiting for answers. Thanks for any insights.

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Doctors’ responses

Liver infection often refers to a condition known as hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can have several causes, such as viral infections (like hepatitis A, B, or C), excessive alcohol consumption, toxins, some medications, or an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own liver cells. Considering your symptoms—pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, and loss of appetite—these could be indicative of liver involvement, though they can also overlap with various other digestive or abdominal conditions. When your doctor mentioned elevated liver enzymes, they were probably referring to liver function tests that hint at inflammation or damage to liver cells. While waiting for your test results, focus on any additional symptoms that might increase concerns, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, or unexplained fatigue as these can sometimes indicate worsening liver function. Speak to your doctor about the comprehensive blood tests you might need, including specific viral hepatitis panels, to rule out different types of hepatitis. In some situations, imaging studies like an ultrasound of the liver might be ordered to visualize the organ. Reducing alcohol intake and avoiding unnecessary medications can be beneficial; they decrease the liver’s workload as it’s healing. It’s understandable to be worried, but stay in close communication with your healthcare provider—they’ll guide you through appropriate next steps based on test results and overall evaluation. Always seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worsen abruptly, since this could require swift intervention.

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