Treatment of the liver and gall bladder, prevention. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract Diseases of the liver and biliary tract

If discomfort or pain occurs with right side under the rib, it is important to promptly recognize the cause. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract pose a threat to a person’s condition and his full functioning. In the absence of proper treatment methods, ailments affecting the biliary system of the body can develop into more severe forms, disabling even the central nervous system.

How do biliary tract diseases manifest themselves?

At the first symptoms of the pathologies described below, you should immediately contact a specialist. To begin to act, the doctor must see an objective picture of the patient’s health, which means it is extremely important to undergo comprehensive examination. It is possible to obtain detailed information about how much the biliary tract is affected by the disease only after the first stages of diagnosis, which include:

• initial examination by a gastroenterologist;
• undergoing an ultrasound abdominal organs;
• results laboratory research blood, urine and feces.

If there is a suspicion of the development of a pathological process in the biliary system of the body, the doctor, as a rule, prescribes the patient to undergo more thorough studies:

• gastroscopy;
• radiography of the biliary tract using a contrast agent;
• biochemical

In general, diseases of the biliary tract differ in their characteristic features.

Their therapy largely depends on the severity of the disease, symptoms and complications present at the time of contacting specialists.

Pathological processes that can develop in the gallbladder and biliary tract are most often:

• dyskinesia;
• cholelithiasis;
• cholingitis;
• various forms of cholecystitis.

Reasons for the development of dyskinesia in the biliary system

The first disease that occurs quite often in patients at any age is considered to be biliary dyskinesia. Symptoms and treatment of a disease are interrelated concepts, since this pathology is a direct functional impairment biliary system due to abnormal functioning of the sphincters of Oddi, Mirizzi and Lutkens, as well as contractions of the gallbladder.

Most often, the disease manifests itself in women aged 20 to 40 years. To date, no specialist can give an unambiguous answer about the causes of the disease. The most likely factors that pushed the disease to progression are:

1. Hormonal imbalance (disturbances in the production of substances that affect the contractility and bile ducts, lead to malfunctions of muscle mechanisms).
2. Poor nutrition and healthy image life.
3. Frequent anaphylactic and allergic reactions of the body to food products.
4. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract that directly affect the biliary tract. Symptoms and treatment of such ailments are concomitant problems during the treatment of the underlying disease.
5. Infection with hepatitis virus groups B, C (pathogenic microorganisms of this type negatively affect the neuromuscular structure of the organs in question).

In addition, dyskinesia can be provoked by other diseases of the biliary tract (for example, chronic cholecystitis). Diseases of the liver, pancreas, and abnormal development of the biliary system also often lead to failure of most digestive organs.

How to cure dyskinesia?

Treatment of the biliary tract has its own characteristics. As for dyskinesia, general therapy can be divided into two blocks.

The first is often referred to as curative measures non-medicinal content, for example:

1. Diet (complete exclusion of fatty, fried, smoked, canned and other harmful products from the daily diet; preparation daily menu based on food rich in plant fiber, choleretic products).
2. Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
3. Active lifestyle, therapeutic breathing exercises.
4. Prevention stressful situations, disorders, experiences.

Drug treatment is an obligatory component in the treatment of such an ailment as The drugs that experts recommend that patients take are mainly aimed at relieving muscle tension, providing a sedative and antispasmodic effect. The most common for dyskinesia are Papaverine, No-shpa, Novocaine. IN therapeutic complex includes, among other things, the use of mineralized waters.

Features of the course of dyskinesia in children

A disease that affects the bile ducts of children is not uncommon these days. Dyskinesia is detected by doctors in children over three years of age. By the way, experts distinguish this disease among childhood pathologies of the biliary tract as a frequently diagnosed one. In fact, the reasons for the development of disorders in a child are the same provoking factors as in adults.

The danger to children's bodies is often hidden in the consequences of dyskinesia affecting the biliary tract. Symptoms of the disease in a child are often complemented by specific manifestations of the nervous system and psycho-emotional state.

As a rule, signs of dyskinesia in children are:

• tearfulness;
• fatigue;
• decreased concentration and performance;
• muscle hypotonia;
• hyperhidrosis;
• heart rhythm disturbances.

Recommendations for preventing recurrence of the disease in a child

Since the symptoms and diagnostic procedures are absolutely the same for both adult patients and children, treatment tactics will also be based on the canons of rational nutrition. It is extremely important that the child eats healthy food in accordance with a clear schedule, not only during an exacerbation of biliary tract disease or while undergoing a therapeutic course, but also for the purpose of prevention. Ideally, this style of nutrition should become the norm for a growing body on an ongoing basis.

It is also worth noting that dyskinesia detected in a child predetermines the need for him to be registered at a dispensary for periodic examination. This is the only way to prevent the development of the disease. Pediatricians call the following principles the best prevention of dyskinesia in a healthy baby:

1. Eating every 2.5 hours throughout the day in small, fractional portions.
2. Avoiding overeating.
3. Lack of emotional overstrain and stress.

Why is cholelithiasis dangerous?

The next disease that affects the biliary tract no less often than dyskinesia is cholelithiasis. This pathology occurs due to the formation of stones in the gallbladder and is characterized by significant inflammation in its walls. Doctors call the danger of the disease its hidden manifestations and the almost complete absence of symptoms in the early stages of the disease. During the period when it is easiest to cope with the disease, the patient cannot even imagine that his bile ducts and gallbladder require help.

With the gradual progression of the pathology, the pace of which is largely determined by the patient’s lifestyle, the first signs of the disease become noticeable. The most common of them is biliary colic, which patients almost always mistake for pain in the liver, explaining this by participating in a hearty feast the day before or drinking alcohol. Despite the fact that these factors can indeed provoke an exacerbation of cholelithiasis, taking the symptoms lightly can be extremely dangerous for the patient’s health. Among the complications that threaten untreated cholelithiasis in time, patients are diagnosed with:

• cholecystitis;
• pancreatitis;
• malignant tumors affecting the liver and bile ducts.

Disease risk group

Since the main and only reason for the formation of ducts is a violation metabolic processes in the body (in particular, cholesterol, bilirubin and bile acids), it is natural that therapeutic and restorative measures will be aimed at eliminating the formations.

Stones that interfere with the flow of bile occur in women several times more often than in men. In addition, people who are most at risk of developing cholelithiasis are:

• obese;
• leading a sedentary lifestyle;
• whose type of activity determines a predominantly sitting position during working hours;
• those who do not follow a regular eating schedule.

Treatment methods for cholelithiasis

To determine for sure whether stones are present in the patient’s gall bladder, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is sufficient. Today, when confirming the diagnosis, doctors most often decide on cholecystectomy.

However, to radical surgical treatment the specialist may not persuade the patient if the formations cause practically no discomfort. In this case, experts recommend undergoing a course of treatment aimed directly at the biliary tract. Symptoms of the disease that do not manifest themselves in any way allow the use of the method of influencing the ducts of ursodeoxycholic and

Its advantage is the ability to get rid of stones in a non-surgical way. Among the disadvantages is the high probability of relapse. A therapeutic course lasting about a year in most cases gives an imaginary, short-term result, since patients often experience re-inflammation just a few years after long-term treatment.

It is also worth noting that this treatment option is only available in the presence of cholesterol stones not exceeding 2 cm in diameter.

What is “cholangitis”: its symptoms and complications

Inflammation bile ducts also considered pathological condition, whose name is cholangitis. Doctors consider the peculiarity of this disease to be its course in independent form or accompanying cholecystitis. The disease has varying degrees of intensity and danger to the health and life of the patient. There are 3 main stages, based on the intensity of symptoms:

• subacute;
• spicy;
• purulent.

Symptoms of any dysfunction of the biliary tract affect the general condition of the patient in almost the same way, causing in all cases:

• chills;
• nausea and vomiting;
• increased sweating;
• high body temperature;
• itching of the skin;
• pain syndrome in the right hypochondrium.

When examining the patient, an enlarged liver and spleen may be detected. A reliable sign Yellowness of the skin also contributes to cholangitis, but its presence is not at all necessary. This pathology of the biliary tract, which is purulent in nature, has more pronounced symptoms. The patient's temperature can reach over 40 degrees. In addition, in this case, the risk of sepsis and abscess in the subphrenic area increases several times. Often, in advanced forms of the disease, doctors diagnose patients with hepatitis or hepatic coma.

Diagnosis and treatment of cholangitis

To definitively confirm cholangitis in a patient, additional research blood. A high leukocyte count and accelerated ESR generally always serve as indications for undergoing the following series of examinations:

• cholangiography;
• gastroduodenoscopy;
• laparoscopy.

Treatment of the biliary tract with cholangitis requires the use of a number of potent drugs. A patient can avoid surgery only with a comprehensive therapeutic approach based on the use of medications of a different spectrum of actions. First of all, we need drugs for the biliary tract that can have a choleretic effect on the diseased organ.

To relieve inflammation and suppress pathogenic microflora, antibiotics and medicines nitrofuran group. If there is a painful syndrome in the right hypochondrium, the doctor may prescribe antispasmodics.

If the required course of treatment does not bring positive results, that is, there is no noticeable dynamics in improving the patient’s condition, the doctor may replace conservative therapy for more decisive surgical actions.

Cholecystitis during exacerbation

Against the background of the above, a disease such as cholecystitis often develops. It can be characterized by the inflammatory process of the walls and ducts of the gallbladder, as well as the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into its cavity. Although, in the complete absence of stones, cholecystitis can also occur in women over 30 years of age.

Main signs of acute cholecystitis

As a rule, exacerbation of cholecystitis, as well as other diseases affecting the biliary tract, occurs after relaxation of the strict regime dietary nutrition patient. Having allowed himself even the smallest amount of something harmful, he will soon regret it. Painful symptoms of cholecystitis under the right rib, radiating to the subscapular region and supraclavicular area, do not allow you to forget about the disease even short term. It should be noted that pancreatitis is considered a frequent companion to cholecystitis, the simultaneous manifestations of which cause incredible discomfort and pain in the patient.

Elderly people who have had a myocardial infarction may experience pain in the chest space due to cholecystitis. Reflex type angina is further accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Vomit initially represents the contents of the stomach, i.e., what the patient ate the day before; then only bile can be released.

An increase in body temperature cannot be considered a mandatory symptom of cholecystitis. The absence of fever does not at all indicate the absence of inflammation. Palpating the abdomen, the doctor in most cases notes tension in the abdominal muscles, soreness of the gallbladder, which becomes more and more like a small ball in the right hypochondrium. The liver also begins to increase in size. Characteristic feature acute cholecystitis are surges in blood pressure. A couple of days after detection, the disease may turn yellow skin.

Various degrees of severity of cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis has the main stages of its course:

1. The catarrhal phase of the development of the disease is not characterized by body fever. If pain is present, it is quite moderate. The entire period lasts no more than a week, and most often the disease is discovered at this stage by chance. It is quite possible to stop the progression of the disease at this stage if treatment is started immediately, preventing the onset of phlegmonous cholecystitis.
2. The second stage of development of the disease is characterized by clearly expressed painful sensations, frequent vomiting, high temperature, general weakness of the body. The patient's appetite noticeably decreases due to leukocytosis that occurs against the background of the pathology.
3. The most dangerous stage of the disease for the patient is gangrenous. This disease is often accompanied by peritonitis, for which there are no treatment options other than emergency surgery. Statistics indicate a high probability of death without urgent surgery.

One of the most common reasons delayed recognition of cholecystitis are its manifestations, which in most cases are also characteristic of other ailments of the abdominal organs. For example, they can also declare themselves:

• acute appendicitis;
• exacerbation of pancreatitis;
• peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;
• renal failure, colic, pyelonephritis.

Treatment of cholecystitis

As already mentioned, absolutely all research indicators play a role in making a diagnosis. If the bile ducts are full of stones, an ultrasound will definitely tell you about it. The fact that an inflammatory process is occurring in the body will be confirmed by an overestimated number of leukocytes in a biochemical blood test.

It is necessary to treat diseases that affect the biliary tract or gallbladder only in a hospital setting. Conservative methods of therapy can alleviate the patient's condition. He is prescribed strict bed rest and no meals. For pain relief, a heating pad with ice is provided under the right hypochondrium.

Before starting drug therapy, the patient’s body is completely detoxified, after which he is prescribed antibiotics. Lack of results within 24 hours requires urgent surgical intervention.

What to change in diet for diseases of the biliary tract?

Diet for diseases of the biliary tract plays an important predetermining role. As you know, during periods of attacks it is prohibited to consume anything, since the naturally occurring release of bile as a reaction to incoming food can intensify the symptoms of the disease.

During remission, it is extremely important to observe suitable diet and eat according to a clear schedule. Food itself is the best choleretic agent, so you need to eat at least 4-5 times during the day. The main thing is to exclude any, even the lightest, snack at night.

By adhering to the advice given below from nutritionists and gastroenterologists, you can achieve the longest possible remission:

1. It is undesirable to eat fresh wheat bread, especially if it is just baked and hot. Ideal if it is dried or yesterday.
2. Hot dishes have a positive effect on the general condition of the digestive system. You should not sauté onions, carrots, etc. during cooking.
3. Choose only low-fat varieties of meat and fish. In an ideal way cooking is stewing, boiling and baking.
4. It is not prohibited to consume any oil of vegetable or animal origin in small quantities, but in the absence of heat treatment.
5. For diseases of the biliary tract, the best cereal products are buckwheat and oatmeal.
6. Dairy and fermented milk drinks, as well as cottage cheese, can be consumed.

In any case, at the first manifestations of the disease, you should go to the doctor; by self-medicating, the patient risks aggravating his condition.

During the recovery period, it is necessary to reduce the load on these organs. As a supplement, traditional medicine methods can be used, and for some diseases, special gymnastics.

Basic functions of the liver and gallbladder

The work of the liver and gallbladder is interconnected. Both of these organs take part in digestion. Liver cells secrete bile. This secretion enters the small intestine and enhances its motility, participates in the breakdown of fats, activates enzymes, and neutralizes the acids of the stomach contents. Under the influence of bile, amino acids, calcium salts, cholesterol, vitamins A, D, E and K are more completely absorbed, and the spread of bacteria is suppressed.

The liver is involved in all types of metabolism:

• in protein metabolism, it breaks down and converts proteins, transforms amino acids into a reserve energy source and raw materials for the body to build its own cells and tissues;
• in progress carbohydrate metabolism the liver forms and accumulates glycogen - a reserve energy substrate;
• During fat metabolism, the liver and gall bladder break down lipids into fatty acids and ketone bodies, produce cholesterol.

The liver maintains balance nutrients in organism. If there are not enough carbohydrates in food, they will be synthesized from proteins. And when a person eats a lot of sweets, the excess sugar turns into fats.

In addition to these functions, the liver takes part in the synthesis of hormones, anticoagulants, regulates the exchange of microelements, protects the body from toxins, and maintains homeostasis. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The treatment of these organs is always interconnected.

Liver diseases

All liver diseases are divided as follows:

• infectious, in which tissues are affected by viruses, bacteria, fungi, helminths or protozoa (echinococcosis, ascariasis, leptospirosis, etc.);
• autoimmune ( separate species hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune cholangiopathy, etc.);
• damage due to exposure to toxins: alcohol, medications, drugs (, etc.);
• vascular (pylephlebitis, hepatic vein thrombosis, portal hypertension and etc.);
• tumor (hepatocellular and intraductal cancer, sarcoma, hemangioma, etc.);
• metabolic (acanthocytosis, glycokenoses, etc.);
• hereditary (hypoplasia and aplasia, hepatic enzymopathies, hemochromatosis, etc.).

Also, disturbances in liver function can occur due to injuries: blows, bruises, ruptures. Sometimes its functioning changes due to diseases of other systems and organs, for example, heart failure.

The causes of liver diseases can be:

1. Reproduction of viral agents (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E).
2. The influence of toxins.
3. Effect of medications.
4. The influence of alcohol.
5. Infection with helminths, protozoa or bacteria.
6. Eating disorders.
7. Heredity, genetic pathologies and developmental defects.
8. Acute inflammation in the abdominal organs.
9. Injuries, bruises, ruptures.
10. Exposure to ionizing radiation, physical and chemical carcinogens.

Symptoms

Most liver diseases are characterized by pain and a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium. These symptoms are constantly present, increasing during physical activity, after eating fatty or fried foods, and subsiding during passive rest. The pain is accompanied by loss of appetite, belching, bitterness in the mouth, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Liver diseases are also accompanied by yellowing of the skin and sclera, darkening of urine, and discoloration of feces. Complaints of itching, weakness, apathy, fatigue, headaches and fainting are common. In women it is disrupted menstrual cycle, men develop impotence.

Diagnostics

If signs of liver disease are detected, you should consult a gastroenterologist. After the examination, the doctor will determine the necessary diagnostic procedures, the results of which will help establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

The most common examination methods for liver pathologies are ultrasound and blood sampling for biochemical analysis. A more accurate selection of diagnostics depends on the data obtained as a result of a medical interview. Depending on the assumptions about the diagnosis, a test may be prescribed. immunological tests, genetic studies, biopsy, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT ( CT scan), as well as a blood test to detect hepatitis viruses and cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment of liver diseases is often delayed, since symptoms increase gradually and for a long time may not cause much concern. Traditional treatment may include medications, physical therapy, diet, and in some cases, surgery.

Drug therapy should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a physician. Depending on the diagnosis, it can be represented by hepatoprotectors, antibiotics, antiviral, antimicrobial, anthelmintic drugs, B vitamins and some organic acids. To effectively eliminate the disease they use various schemes treatment.

The most universal means are hepatoprotectors. They do not eliminate the causes of the pathology, but restore liver function and protect its cells from damage. They can be created on the basis of ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursosan, Exchol, Livodex), ademetionine (Heptor, Heptral), phospholipids (Essentiale forte N, Rezalut pro), ornithine (Hepa-merz), as well as natural components (Sibektan, Liv-52, Gepabene).

Physiotherapy is used to restore the liver after diseases. Depending on the diagnosis, these can be galvanic mud procedures, UHF, microwave, electrosleep, galvanic current to the collar area.

Surgical intervention required when serious illnesses liver. Operationally complex abscesses and cysts are eliminated, tissues are restored after injuries. Partial or complete removal of the liver with further transplantation may be required for cirrhosis, cancerous tumors, blockage of the hepatic veins.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment of the liver with folk remedies begins with its cleansing. The most common option is to take a little vegetable oil in the morning. The duration of the course is 5 weeks. In the first week you need to drink 1/2 tsp. oil, in the second - 1 tsp, in the third - 2 tsp, in the fourth - 1 tbsp, in the fifth - again 2 tsp.

After cleansing, you can use the following recipes:

• Oats. From 1 tbsp. grains, 3 tbsp. l. lingonberry leaves, 1 tbsp. l. Prepare an infusion of birch buds: pour the mixture with 4 liters of water and put it in a cool place for 20 hours. Separately, prepare a decoction from a glass of rose hips, 2 tbsp. l. knotweed and 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 45 minutes and then mix with oatmeal infusion. Store the product in the refrigerator. Drink 150 ml 30 minutes before meals for 10 days.
• Peel the root vegetables, grate and squeeze out the juice. Drink 1/3 tbsp. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 14 days.
• Corn silk. Brew 1 tbsp. l. a glass of boiling water, drink instead of tea for 2 weeks.
• Vegetable juice. To prepare, you will need 210 grams of carrots, 150 grams of celery and 60 grams of parsley. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach. Duration of treatment – ​​1 month.
• Bear bile. To prepare the infusion, pour 20 grams of raw materials into 0.5 liters of St. John's wort and yarrow decoction (or just water). Leave for a week, shaking regularly. Drink 25 drops three times a day for a month. Treatment with bear bile is indicated for various diseases liver, this remedy acts as a hepatoprotector.

Any folk remedies Should be taken only after your doctor's permission. For some of them, stomach diseases and allergies are contraindications. Such tools should be used when chronic course diseases.

Diet

Diet is an important component of the general treatment of liver diseases. It is necessary to exclude coffee, strong teas, alcoholic drinks, grape and tomato juice, rich broths, fatty meats and fish, soda, fresh bread and baked goods. Any fried, spicy, too salty or smoked foods are prohibited. You cannot eat sweets with cocoa and chocolate, eggs, sauces, fresh fruits and berries, mushrooms. Vegetables prohibited include cabbage and Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, turnips, radishes, eggplants, spinach, sorrel, and tomatoes.

It is recommended to include rosehip decoction, juices, compotes, dried bread, biscuits, biscuits, lean meat and fish, oils, and dairy products with no more than 2% fat content into the diet. You can prepare dishes from vegetables by steaming, baking, boiling, stewing. Potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, zucchini, beets, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage, and bell peppers are allowed. To enhance the taste, it is permissible to use soy sauce, cinnamon, parsley, honey, and jam.

Prevention

Preventative measures for liver disease include:

• maintaining a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, giving up alcohol and smoking, regular moderate physical activity;
• strengthening the immune system;
• compliance with safety precautions hazardous production, use of personal protective equipment;
• administration of injections against hepatitis B;
• exclusion of uncontrolled, spontaneous medication intake;
• timely treatment of diseases leading to liver dysfunction.

Gallbladder diseases

In modern gastroenterology, the most common diseases of the gallbladder are:

• chronic and acute cholecystitis;
• postcholecystectomy syndrome;
• cholelithiasis;
• tumors (polyps and cancer).

Causes

The causes of gallbladder diseases can be:

• infectious lesions;
• violations of the composition of bile and the ratio of its basic components;
• disruption of the connection between the organ and the nerve fibers;
• metabolic disorders;
• heredity and genetic factors;
• degeneration of cells of the organ mucosa.

Symptoms

The liver and gallbladder are anatomically located nearby and form the biliary system; the symptoms and treatment for diseases of these organs are also similar. The main symptom is the appearance of pain in the right hypochondrium, which intensifies after eating fatty, spicy and fried foods, and physical activity. Digestive disorders are also typical: heartburn, nausea, vomiting, belching, flatulence.

The skin and sclera of patients turn yellow, itching appears. The feces become lighter in color and the urine becomes darker and brownish. During vomiting, bile is released.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of gallbladder diseases begins with a medical interview and examination. When palpating the abdomen, pain is noted on the right side. Most pathologies require ultrasound and x-ray examination.

Depending on the clinical picture, the gastroenterologist may refer for the following diagnostic procedures:

• biochemical analysis blood;
• additionally - ultrasound of the liver;
• studying the composition of bile (insertion of a probe);
• Holicestography.

Ultrasound data may be required not only to clarify the diagnosis, but also during therapy, recovery period. In some cases, the doctor needs the results of drug tests.

Treatment

Most gallbladder diseases are treated with conservative methods. First of all, this is taking medications, the selection of which is carried out by the doctor individually. For infectious diseases, antibiotics, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic drugs are prescribed.

To restore the outflow of bile they are used choleretic agents, as well as antispasmodics and drugs affecting nervous system (vegetative department). To restore the mucous membrane, herbal medicines are used, and in case of intoxication, enterosorbents are used.

In order to influence the contractile functions of the gallbladder and its sphincters, and is carried out. Thanks to such procedures, the flow of bile is quickly restored, even in severe cases. Physiotherapy includes laser exposure, mud electrophoresis, UHF, HF, microwave, sinusoidal modulated currents, magnetic field.

Gallstone disease, depending on the stage, can be cured by chemical or ultrasonic crushing or surgically. Surgical intervention is required when tumors, cysts, and large abscesses are detected. In some cases, complete removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is performed.

Patients who have undergone cholecystectomy are often interested in the question: how to treat the liver if there is no gallbladder? Since now the entire load will fall on this organ, it will be necessary to support its work in every way: take hepatoprotectors, observe therapeutic diet, give up alcohol and smoking.

Treatment with folk remedies

• Herbal collection. You need to prepare a mixture of equal parts of yarrow, wormwood, mint, fennel fruits and immortelle flowers. Then pour 400 ml of water into a dessert spoon of these herbs, cover with a lid and wait 9 hours. Filter before use. Drink a third of a glass 3 times a day, before meals.
• Birch leaves. Grind 2 tsp. leaves, brew a glass of boiling water and leave for an hour. Drink 1/3 glass three times a day before meals.
• Dandelion. Squeeze the juice from the roots and leaves of the plant, dilute boiled water. Drink 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.

The course of treatment in each case should last at least 2 months.

Diet

The diet for gallbladder diseases is the same as for liver diseases. All foods that load the biliary system should be excluded: fatty, fried, smoked, salty, cocoa and chocolate. It is forbidden to drink coffee, soda, alcohol, eat baked goods, or fresh wheat bread. Some cereals and vegetables, all mushrooms, as well as raw fruits and berries are prohibited.

It is recommended to include foods with a choleretic effect and dishes made from them into the diet: carrots, zucchini, beets, milk and low-fat sour cream. Boiled vegetables and vegetable broths, bran, sprouted wheat, kefir, oranges, pears, prunes, tangerines, and turmeric as a seasoning are useful. Dishes should be prepared using vegetable oils. Otherwise, follow the diet recommended for liver diseases.

Prevention

To prevent the development of gallbladder diseases, you must:

• lead a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking, drinking alcohol, spicy, smoked, salty and fried foods;
• regularly perform light physical activity and moderate degree heaviness, avoid intense training, including weights;
• drink mineral water (Narzan, Essentuki, etc.);
• follow nutritional recommendations for diseases of this group.

Liver and gallbladder diseases have similar causes, symptoms and treatment methods. They often develop due to poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse and uncontrolled use of medications. The first signs are pain in the right hypochondrium and digestive disorders. Treatment can be conservative (medicines, physiotherapy, diet, traditional methods) and operational. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and measures to eliminate it are started, the faster recovery will be achieved.

Useful video about the structure and functions of the liver

Many human diseases have their own manifestations - symptoms. Several combined symptoms are called a syndrome. Symptoms may be the same for various organs, and specific - characteristic only for the pathology of a particular organ or for a specific disease. Symptoms make it possible to recognize the disease when diagnosing it. They can be bright and permanent. This is typical for acute diseases.

More mild symptoms are a sign of a chronic disease

The ability to distinguish and notice the manifestations of the disease is very important for the doctor and the patient himself. A person may not pay attention to some symptoms and not suspect that he is developing an illness until he consults a doctor, perhaps for a completely different reason. Therefore, knowledge of the elementary manifestations of diseases is the necessary basics for people who care about their health. However, having discovered a symptom of a particular disease, you should not immediately diagnose yourself, become discouraged, and even less start self-medicating. You need to clearly understand that if you suspect a dysfunction of any organ, you should immediately go to the doctor. Only he can objectively identify the symptoms, analyze them and begin adequate treatment or order additional studies.

Joke. Late in the evening there is a knock on the door of the doctor’s house. The Doctor opens the door and sees a skeleton in front of him.

“Well, first they bring themselves to this state, and then they come to the reception,” the doctor grumbles.

Indeed, there is a considerable amount of truth in this. People often do not pay attention to other symptoms of serious diseases. The neglect of the disease is not only serious suffering for the patient, but also a difficult path to recovery. Sometimes this inevitably leads to disability or even death.

Symptoms are divided into objective and subjective

Subjective ones are associated with a person’s feelings and do not have manifestations that others can see. For example, complaints of pain. Objective symptoms have real manifestations that another person can see. For example, yellowing of the skin or enlargement of the liver, felt upon palpation. Objective signs of diseases are more accurate and therefore more informative.

Naturally, liver diseases, like diseases of many other organs, have their own specific and nonspecific, objective and biased manifestations.

With liver diseases, weakness and increased fatigue are common. This is a fairly common symptom for the pathology of many organs and diseases, and it is subjective. Sometimes this may not be associated with liver disease or another organ at all. Man is a living being, and he is characterized by fluctuations in his physical and spiritual state. Therefore, if you experience weakness or increased fatigue, do not immediately blame your liver. This may be due to unusually high physical or emotional stress. In such cases, recovery occurs with proper rest and taking vitamins. If you feel increased fatigue for no reason or it is unusually strong, then you may suspect something is wrong.

In liver diseases, weakness and increased fatigue are associated with intoxication

However, if in infectious diseases intoxication is caused by the pathogen itself or its toxins, then in liver pathology this occurs due to a violation of its detoxification function. The body accumulates toxins produced as a result of its vital activity, since they are not destroyed in the liver. If the patency of the biliary tract is impaired, reverse absorption of its components from bile occurs, which also leads to intoxication. Weakness and increased fatigue in liver disease also occur due to disturbances in protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin metabolism.

The liver plays a huge role in digestion, therefore, with its diseases, digestive function will certainly suffer. In case of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic cholecystitis, this will be less noticeable than in acute diseases of the liver and biliary tract. In chronic liver diseases, digestive manifestations are nonspecific. They are typical for chronic pancreatitis, chronic enterocolitis, etc. One of the manifestations is dyspepsia, which can manifest itself as unformed stool, constipation, flatulence (bloating), belching, heaviness in the epigastrium (upper abdomen between the costal angles). The quality of the stool changes. It becomes a greasy consistency - steatorrhea, which is associated with impaired absorption and breakdown of fats. Bile performs a regulatory function for the intestines, improves the absorption of fats and proteins by the cells of the intestinal walls. Therefore, in diseases of the liver and biliary tract, peristalsis is disrupted, secretory function intestines, absorption of nutrients worsens - all this leads to weight loss. This minimizes the bacteriostatic effect of bile, which promotes the colonization small intestine excess flora. This leads to the occurrence of enterocolitis with its characteristic symptoms. Long pathological process in the gallbladder steadily leads to dysfunction of the pancreas. As a result, a picture of chronic pancreatitis appears. Based on the above, it becomes clear that in chronic liver diseases, the symptoms are varied, other organs are involved in the pathological process, and therefore it is difficult to recognize manifestations characteristic exclusively of the liver.

Acute diseases, such as acute hepatitis, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis (blockage of the common bile duct with a stone), have more pronounced manifestations in the digestive tract. Severe nausea and vomiting, including bile, may occur. A special sign specific to hepatitis and bile duct blockage is complete or partial discoloration of stool. With hepatitis, the passage of bile is impaired due to dead cells that block the bile canaliculi inside the liver. This condition is temporary and characterizes a certain stage of hepatitis. With cholelithiasis, a block occurs due to a stone that has entered the bile duct. IN in this case Stool discoloration may occur suddenly or worsen. There are valve stones that, rotating, either block the duct completely or release it. Then the discoloration may periodically change to the normal color of the stool. Impaired bile outflow is a common companion to tumors of the biliary tract; then stool discoloration occurs gradually and irreversibly.

Most diseases of the liver and biliary tract are accompanied by pain

In this case, pain is felt in the right hypochondrium. There are no pain receptors in the liver tissue, so pain in liver diseases occurs due to stretching of the fibrous capsule that covers the liver. At inflammatory process In it, blood stagnation, tumor growth, and the volume of the liver increases accordingly. This leads to slow expansion of the capsule.

Pain is a special reaction of the body to an irritant that threatens the normal functioning of the body. The sensation of pain is a signal to eliminate the irritant that causes it. Pain is a necessary component that allows a living organism to adapt in nature. It, or rather its character and location, helps the doctor make the correct diagnosis.

The fibrous capsule of the liver is dense, and therefore responds to stretching slowly. This explains the nature of the pain. When the pathological focus is localized directly in the liver, it has a dull, aching character, that is, it is not intense and continues for a long time; There may be a feeling of heaviness. This type of pain accompanies hepatitis, initial stages cirrhosis, tumor diseases of the liver. If the pathological process occurs in the biliary tract, then the pain is intense, acute, and cramping. This is due to the occurrence of spasms caused by smooth muscles, or, conversely, stretching of the bile ducts and bladder. Very intense sharp pain occurs with inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract, such as acute purulent cholecystitis or cholangitis. When tapping along the costal arch, the pain increases sharply. This type of pain is a sure sign to go to the doctor or call emergency medical help.

Must remember! Taking pain medications when severe pain in the stomach before examination by a doctor is strictly prohibited! This is especially true for strong or narcotic drugs. Analgesics eliminate pain and smooth clinical picture, possibly a very serious illness in which the only way to escape is immediate surgery. Taking antispasmodics is allowed, but if you are not strong in pharmacology, leave this idea and call “03”.

Liver diseases are often accompanied by a rise in body temperature - fever

It is the body’s protective reaction to a pathogenic factor. At elevated temperatures, immune reactions aimed at destroying the infectious agent proceed better. When a disease occurs, a fever of up to 38 °C is considered normal for the body, provided that it is well tolerated and lasts up to five days. In this case, taking antipyretics is not justified.

With hepatitis and cirrhosis, body temperature usually does not rise above 38 °C and remains at 37-37.5 °C. It may be at normal levels of 36.6 °C during the day, and only rise in the evening. For acute diseases, especially purulent ones - cholecystitis and cholangitis, are characterized by a rise in temperature to 39 ° C and above. Such conditions may be accompanied by twitching of skeletal muscles, including facial muscles. The popular name for this condition is “shaking.” This is another good reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Liver diseases, especially chronic, long-term cirrhosis and hepatitis, are accompanied by pallor of the skin, which is a component of the “unhealthy appearance”. The reasons for this are disorders of metabolic (metabolic) processes in the body, disturbances of normal hematopoiesis, and conditions after bleeding.

Pigmentation disorders occur in liver diseases

New ones appear dark spots or the skin takes on a bronze or smoky gray tint in the armpits and palms of the hands.

Spider veins - small areas of skin with dilated capillaries - are also characteristic of chronic liver diseases. They arise due to depletion of the capillary wall against the background of metabolic disorders. Most often localized on the back and cheeks.

Chronic cirrhosis is accompanied by blood clotting disorders, capillary fragility, and the appearance of hemorrhagic diathesis. If touched lightly, bruises may remain.

“Liver palms” are symmetrical patchy redness of the palms and soles, especially pronounced in the area along the edges of the palms on the hills, sometimes on the palmar surfaces of the fingers. The spots become paler when pressure is applied and quickly turn red when pressure is removed. The mechanism of their occurrence is not well understood. Characteristic of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.

Xanthomas are yellow intradermal plaques located on the eyelids (xanthelasmas), elbows, hands, feet, buttocks, knees and armpits.

Occurs when there is a violation of the outflow of bile, an increased content of fats in the blood

Sometimes the only symptom of a violation of the outflow of bile from the liver is persistent itching of the skin. It can persist for years, accompanied by abrasions and scratching. It was assumed that the reason for its occurrence is the skin’s reaction to increased levels bile acids in the blood, but there are refutations of this hypothesis.

Jaundice (icterus) is one of the specific signs liver suffering. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes due to the accumulation of excess bilirubin in the blood. There are three types of jaundice depending on the origin: suprahepatic, hepatic and subhepatic. Suprahepatic is associated with increased breakdown of red blood cells and, as a result, with an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. Occurs in case of poisoning with hemolytic poisons, Rh conflicts, etc. Hepatic jaundice is caused by impaired liver function in the binding of bilirubin and its release into bile. Characteristic of hepatitis and cirrhosis. Subhepatic jaundice occurs when the bile ducts are blocked and bilirubin flows from the bile back into the blood. Occurs in gallstone disease, tumors of the bile ducts and the head of the pancreas. Depending on the type of jaundice, the corresponding fraction of bilirubin predominates in the body, which determines the shade of jaundice. With suprahepatic it is lemon yellow, with hepatic it is saffron yellow, with subhepatic it is green or dark olive. Jaundice is often accompanied by changes in the color of stool and urine.

Due to hormonal imbalance that accompanies chronic liver diseases, hair loss is possible in axillary areas, on the pubis. In men, against this background, enlargement of the mammary glands may appear - gynecomastia.

An unfavorable prognostic sign of chronic hepatitis and, as a consequence, cirrhosis or self-occurring cirrhosis is an enlargement of the skin veins in the abdomen. This is due to a violation of the venous outflow of portal vein through the liver. Therefore, blood from the abdominal organs flows through the veins of the anterior abdominal wall, which as a result increase. This is often accompanied by dilation of the esophageal veins, which leads to fatal bleeding. The venous network, which appears on the abdomen, was called the “head of a jellyfish” for its similarity to the original. Dilatation of the abdominal veins is rarely observed without an increase in its volume - ascites - due to the accumulation of free fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Sometimes you can hear the expression "liver smell"

It has a sweetish aroma, similar to the smell of fresh liver or overripe fruit. It is felt when the patient breathes, from his vomit and sweat. This smell is caused by a violation of the metabolism of amino acids and aromatic compounds.

Summarizing all of the above, it can be noted that the symptoms give a clear but incomplete picture of the disease. We must not forget that we live in an age of technological progress. This allows the use of a huge range of laboratory and instrumental examinations. One of the informative modern methods examination of the liver and biliary tract is ultrasonography. Among laboratory methods, a biochemical blood test is indicative. If you suspect liver disease, consult your doctor. He will appoint necessary research, will indicate the necessary treatment and tell you which folk recipes can be used for this pathology.

Knowing the main signs of liver and biliary tract diseases, a person can suspect a problem in time and helps the doctor quickly make a diagnosis.

Diseases of the liver and biliary tract are widespread. They are caused by poor nutrition, chronic stress, availability bad habits, and may also be caused by infection or related to heredity. The most common diseases of this group are hepatitis, liver abscesses, liver cirrhosis, and biliary dyskinesia. Each of these diseases has its own set of symptoms and manifestations, but they are also characterized general symptoms. Let's take a closer look at them.

Jaundice

A common sign of liver disease is liver disease, which is manifested by yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. This is explained by an increase in the concentration of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the blood. Blockage of the bile ducts leads to the appearance of jaundice, various diseases and liver toxicity and hemolysis (damage to red blood cells).

Jaundice can be mechanical, parenchymal or hemolytic. So, if the bile duct is blocked by a gallstone, helminths, or compressed by a tumor, obstructive jaundice develops. Bile enters the general bloodstream through the lymphatic pathways, penetrates the tissues and stains them yellow.

Parenchymal jaundice is observed in infectious and toxic hepatitis, liver dystrophy and also leads to yellow staining of tissues.

The eyes become noticeably yellow first, followed by the skin. With prolonged jaundice, the skin may turn greenish or have a black tint.

Hemolytic jaundice is associated with a disease of the blood, not the liver. It is distinguished from the listed types of jaundice by the lemon-yellow color of the skin and sclera, the absence of itching and symptoms of intoxication characteristic of jaundice caused by diseases of the liver and biliary tract.

Pain

Inflammation of the liver and gallbladder, blockage of the bile ducts is accompanied by an enlarged liver. In this case, the person feels heaviness or pain in the right hypochondrium. The liver hurts when palpated. The pain can be very sharp, unbearable if caused (usually occurs when cholelithiasis). Attacks of hepatic colic, accompanied by pain, sometimes appear without the presence of gallstones: they can be of neurogenic origin.

Changing the nature of discharge

If the bile produced by the liver does not enter the gallbladder and from there is not released into the intestines, the stool becomes light, clay-colored and contains undigested fat. Jaundice is usually accompanied by constipation, and the stool and gas produced often have a putrid odor.

Complete or partial discoloration of stool is characteristic of hepatitis and blockage of the biliary tract. If the discoloration occurs gradually and irreversibly, it may be a sign of tumors of the biliary tract.

Reader Questions

Good afternoon My name is Elena October 18, 2013 Good afternoon My name is Elena. I wrote 2 weeks ago about gallstones. Question No. 18307. Today I had a consultation at diagnostic center and I was definitely advised to cut out the bubble along with the stones. Reasoning that ultrasound crushes stones, but at the same time affects the liver. But the medicine URSOFALC is very expensive and you will need to take it for the rest of your life. Because the stones are very large and cannot come out on their own. They will decrease, and if you stop drinking them, they will grow again. What to do? I don't want to be left without a gallbladder. I love him and I really need him. Tell me, doesn't anyone know? herbal tea or homeopathic remedy How comprehensively can you be cured? I am 29 years old. Both my husband and I want a child. We got married a year ago and we don’t have children. And we want to. Gentlemen DOCTORS, I beg you, help! I need advice, help.... SOS!!!

Since bile is excreted from the body in the urine, the urine becomes dark brown in color, and the urine foam turns yellow. This urine leaves greenish-yellow stains on the laundry.

Bile is involved in the digestion of fats, the absorption of proteins, disinfects the intestines, and enhances its peristalsis. That is why, with diseases of the liver and biliary tract, the absorption of nutrients decreases and a person loses weight.

Change in appetite

Decreased appetite, aversion to fatty foods, bitterness in the mouth often indicate chronic liver disease. Complete lack of appetite is a symptom severe forms acute hepatitis.

Cholecystitis, cholangitis and acute hepatitis are often accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. Vomiting can also accompany an attack of biliary colic.

Symptoms of intoxication

Circulating in the blood, bile poisons the entire body. This is accompanied by a loss of strength, headaches, depressed mood, and a decrease in heart rate. With prolonged jaundice, bile irritates the nerve endings of the skin, resulting in severe itching.

In some liver diseases, an increase in temperature is observed. Thus, a rise in temperature to 39-40°C and normalization after a few hours accompanies an attack of biliary colic and blockage of the common bile duct with a stone. High temperature occurs with liver abscess, acute purulent cholecystitis, cholangitis, and low-grade fever occurs with catarrhal cholecystitis and acute hepatitis. In chronic liver diseases, the temperature may remain normal or rise slightly.

Ascites (edema of the abdomen)

The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity () is characteristic of cirrhosis of the liver and liver tumors (usually malignant). In a healthy state, blood from the abdominal organs collects in the portal vein. It enters the liver and branches into capillaries. In liver diseases, the liver tissue atrophies, and connective tissue between the hepatic lobules grows, a reduced liver is formed. Stagnation of blood in the veins of the abdominal organs and an increase in pressure in them leads to stretching of the walls of blood vessels, and the liquid part of the blood from them enters the peritoneal cavity. Dropsy of the abdomen develops.

Diseases of the liver and biliary tract have other symptoms, including impaired skin pigmentation, tendency to bleeding, and dilation of the saphenous veins. If you find yourself with one or more of the symptoms described above, do not rush to get upset, diagnose yourself, and, especially, self-medicate. Contact your doctor who will prescribe tests and, if necessary, treatment.

• Biliary tract diseases
  • Cholecystitis is an inflammatory process
• Diseases of the liver and biliary tract: diet
• Common Liver Diseases
  • Diagnosis: liver cirrhosis
• Diet for liver diseases
  • Nutrition according to diet No. 5

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Diseases of the liver and biliary tract have characteristic symptoms that can be used to diagnose preliminary diagnosis patient. Modern medicine identifies several main diseases of these organs.

Biliary tract diseases

The main diseases include: dyskinesia, cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.

Dyskinesia is a disease that is characterized by impaired contractile function of the gallbladder and ducts of the organ, dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi. As a result, the process of bile excretion is disrupted. There are 2 forms of dyskinesia:

1. Hyperkinetic. characterized by increased tone of the gallbladder, strong and rapid contractions of the organ, and insufficient opening of the sphincters. Young people are more often affected. Symptoms:

• paroxysmal pain that is sharp in nature;
• painful sensations in the hypochondrium on the right.

These symptoms intensify after emotional experiences, during menstruation.

2. Hypokinetic. This form is characterized by insufficient contraction of the gallbladder. Elderly people are more often affected. Symptoms:

• pain in the right hypochondrium is dull and mildly expressed;
• bursting pain.

There are also general symptoms of the disease:

• a feeling of bitter taste in the mouth in the morning;
• general weakness;
• decrease in emotional background;
• pain in the right hypochondrium after eating a spicy dish or excitement;
• insomnia;
• decreased libido;
• menstrual irregularities;
• diarrhea or constipation that is regular.

With dyskinesia, the stage of exacerbation is replaced by remission - and so on in a circle.

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Cholecystitis is an inflammatory process

With this disease, the wall of the gallbladder becomes inflamed. There are acute and chronic form. Symptoms of the acute form:

• spicy, sharp pain in the stomach, which is permanent;
• feeling of nausea;
• repeated vomiting;
• elevated temperature;
• intense signs of jaundice;
• rapid pulse.

Chronic cholecystitis often occurs without symptoms and manifests itself only during an exacerbation.

Gallstone disease is another pathology. It is characterized by the formation of stones in the bile ducts. In most cases, the disease occurs without symptoms. The most common signs include:

• biliary colic, that is, acute paroxysmal pain;
• painful sensations in the hypochondrium on the right side, which “radiate” to the shoulder;
• vomit.

At the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

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Diseases of the liver and biliary tract: diet

Diet is important for both chronic and acute forms of diseases. The diet promotes long-term remission, and during exacerbation it alleviates the condition. The rules for compiling the diet are as follows:

1. Excluded: fatty, spicy foods, alcohol, cold dishes, carbonated drinks.
2. Protein. Low-fat meat and fish, milk, cheese, cottage cheese are very healthy. Moderate consumption is allowed raw eggs or omelettes.
3. Cereals. Oatmeal and buckwheat are especially valuable.
4. Creamy and vegetable oil. It is an excellent source of fat. But lard, meat and fatty fish, canned food, margarine, etc. are strictly prohibited.
5. Carbohydrates. Fresh vegetables and fruits. But radishes, garlic, onions, radishes, etc. should be discarded. Greens are also useful, especially for stones. It is better not to include sorrel and spinach in the diet.
6. Juices. If the patient suffers from diarrhea, it is better to consume vegetables and fruits in the form of juices or pureed. Blueberries, pomegranates, and quince are especially good.

It is very important to follow a diet. You need to eat often and in small portions, especially with cholecystitis.

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Common Liver Diseases

The main diseases include: hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty degeneration and liver cancer.

Hepatitis is damage to the liver by a virus. There are acute and chronic forms of hepatitis. Acute form characterized by the following symptoms:

• signs of intoxication;
• signs of jaundice: the skin and sclera have a yellow tint;
• the feces acquire a whitish-clayey tint;
• urine darkens to a rich dark color;
• hemorrhagic signs:
• nosebleeds;
• skin itching;
• bradycardia;
• depressed psycho-emotional state;
• irritability;
• damage to the central nervous system;
• enlarged liver and spleen.

In more mild form exacerbation of hepatitis, symptoms may not be expressed. In severe cases of exacerbation, necrotic changes in the liver and a decrease in its size are observed.

At chronic hepatitis the following symptoms are observed:

• the liver and spleen increase in size;
• dull painful sensations in the area of ​​the organ;
• skin itching;
• feeling of heaviness;
• loss of appetite;
• belching;
• flatulence;
• hyperhidrosis.

Patients have a hard time fatty foods and alcohol.

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Diagnosis: liver cirrhosis

For this liver disease normal structure the organ is replaced by scar tissue and takes on a nodular shape. This interferes with the full functioning of the organ. In most cases, the disease occurs without symptoms. The following symptoms are characteristic of cirrhosis:

• general weakness;
• decreased performance;
• painful sensations in the hypochondrium on the right side;
• bloating;
• urine becomes darker;
• weight loss;
• palms turn red.

If the disease is not treated, complications begin:

• accumulation of fluid in the abdomen;
• impaired state of consciousness and memory;
• stomach bleeding;
• jaundice.

Cirrhosis is the cause of liver cancer in most cases. Oncology manifests itself as progressive cirrhosis and is accompanied by pain in the abdominal area.

Another disease is fatty degeneration, or steatosis. In this case, the tissue of the organ is rebuilt, and there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the cells of the organ. The disease may occur without symptoms, or may be accompanied by the following signs:

• increase in liver size;
• pain in the organ area;
• feeling of nausea;
• painful sensations in the hypochondrium on the right side.

Steatosis varies in duration. In this case, phases of exacerbation are replaced by remissions.