Common causes of liver dysfunction in elderly people

The common causes of liver dysfunction in elderly people include viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver disease. Abnormal liver function may be related to metabolic disorders, infections, toxin accumulation, and other factors, usually manifested as symptoms such as decreased appetite, fatigue, jaundice, etc. It is recommended to seek medical examination in a timely manner, clarify the cause, and receive targeted treatment.

1. Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection is a common cause of abnormal liver function in elderly people. Long term replication of the virus can cause chronic hepatitis, leading to liver cell necrosis and fibrosis. The patient may experience symptoms such as dull pain and bloating in the liver area. Antiviral drugs such as entecavir dispersible tablets and propafenone fumarate tenofovir tablets are commonly used in clinical practice, combined with compound glycyrrhizin tablets for liver protection treatment. Viral hepatitis is contagious and requires proper isolation and protection.

2. Drug induced liver injury

Elderly people need to take medication for a long time due to various chronic diseases, and acetaminophen tablets, statins, and lipid-lowering drugs may cause drug-induced liver injury. Drug metabolites can directly damage the liver cell membrane, leading to elevated transaminase levels. Patients often experience symptoms such as nausea and itching on the skin. Suspected drugs should be immediately discontinued for treatment, and liver protective drugs such as injectable reduced glutathione and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules should be used. During medication, liver function indicators should be regularly monitored.

3. Alcoholic liver disease

Long term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hepatic steatosis, which can develop into alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis in severe cases. Patients often have a long-term history of alcohol consumption, accompanied by features such as liver palms and spider nevi. Abstinence from alcohol is the fundamental treatment measure, which can be combined with drugs such as Silymarin Capsules and Aspartate Ornithine Granules to improve liver function. Alcoholic liver disease may be accompanied by malnutrition, and it is necessary to strengthen high-quality protein and vitamin supplementation.

4. Fatty liver

The decline of metabolic function in the elderly is prone to nonalcoholic fatty liver, which is closely related to metabolic syndrome such as obesity and diabetes. Excessive deposition of fat in liver cells can cause inflammatory reactions, manifested as discomfort and fatigue in the upper right abdomen. The treatment mainly focuses on controlling weight and blood sugar, and Orlistat capsules can be used to regulate blood lipids, combined with liver protection tablets to improve liver cell metabolism. Moderate aerobic exercise can help reduce liver fat deposition.

5. Autoimmune liver disease

Autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis is a special type of liver disease that is associated with abnormal immune system attacks on liver tissue. Patients often have systemic symptoms such as joint pain and dry skin. Diagnosis should be combined with autoantibody testing, and treatment mainly uses immunomodulatory drugs such as prednisone acetate tablets and ursodeoxycholic acid capsules. This type of disease requires long-term follow-up to avoid developing into cirrhosis. When elderly people experience liver dysfunction, they should maintain a light diet, consume high-quality protein such as eggs and fish in moderation, and limit high-fat and high sugar foods. Avoid staying up late and overworking, quit smoking and drinking. Regularly follow the doctor's advice for liver function and ultrasound examinations, and it is not recommended to take liver protective drugs on one's own. If severe symptoms such as jaundice of the skin and sclera, ascites, etc. occur, immediate hospitalization treatment is required. Daily low-intensity exercises such as walking and Tai Chi can enhance physical fitness.