Final answer:
Liver disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to liver-toxic chemicals, certain medications, as well as hereditary conditions like haemochromatosis. Cirrhosis, where fibrous tissue replaces dead liver cells, and chronic liver failure are conditions that can also lead to liver disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Liver Disease
Liver disease refers to any disturbance in the liver's function that causes illness. One major cause is hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver usually caused by viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Other pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can also lead to hepatitis. Excessive alcohol intake, certain medications like acetaminophen, exposure to toxins, and immune system abnormalities can also damage the liver, leading to ailments such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is the development of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead liver cells. It can be triggered by chronic alcoholism, hepatitis infection, or exposure to liver-toxic chemicals. Over time, cirrhosis can result in the progressive loss of liver function, causing complications such as jaundice and increasing the risk of liver cancer. Haemochromatosis, a hereditary disease that leads to iron accumulation in the body, and chronic liver failure, commonly due to cirrhosis, are additional causes of liver disease.
Certain metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and hereditary conditions like haemochromatosis can also contribute to liver damage. In chronic liver failure, the liver's function deteriorates over time, mainly due to the factors mentioned above.