Liver Disease

Can medical cannabis help with the symptoms of liver disease? Find out more below. 

What is Liver Disease?

Liver disease is a broad term encompassing a range of conditions that affect the liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins and waste products from the blood, producing bile to aid digestion, and regulating various metabolic processes. Multiple factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and genetic factors, can cause liver disease. 

Depending on the type and severity of liver disease, symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. Treatment options for liver disease vary depending on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, surgery or liver transplantation. Early detection and treatment of liver disease are essential to prevent irreversible damage to the liver and potentially life-threatening complications.

What are the different types of Liver Disease? 

Here are some types of liver diseases and a brief explanation of each:

• Hepatitis: liver inflammation caused by viral infections (A, B, C, D, and E), alcohol abuse, or autoimmune disorders.
• Cirrhosis: a progressive scarring of the liver tissue, typically caused by chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune disorders.
• Fatty liver disease: a buildup of excess fat in the liver cells, which can be caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
• Liver cancer: a type of cancer that originates in the liver cells or spreads to the liver from other parts of the body.
• Autoimmune liver disease: a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage. Examples include primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).
• Genetic liver diseases: inherited conditions that affect the liver’s structure and function, such as Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

It’s important to note that there are many other types of liver diseases, and some conditions may overlap or coexist. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What causes Liver Disease?

1. Alcohol abuse: Excessive and long-term consumption of alcohol can lead to liver damage and diseases such as alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
2. Hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections that can cause liver inflammation and lead to liver disease. Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic illnesses, leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This condition is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver, often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
4. Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune hepatitis is when the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage.
5. Medications: Certain medications, such as acetaminophen, can cause liver damage if taken in excess or combined with alcohol.
6. Genetic diseases: Genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause liver damage and disease.
7. Toxins: Chemical exposure and pollutants can damage liver cells and lead to liver disease.
8. Biliary tract disorders: Conditions such as primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis can cause inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts, leading to liver damage and disease.

Are there Signs & Symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of liver disease can vary depending on the underlying cause and the stage of the disease. Here are some common signs and symptoms of liver disease:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine
• Pale or tar-colored stools
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating

Some people with liver disease may not experience symptoms, particularly early. Therefore, it’s essential to have routine liver function tests if you are at risk of developing liver disease or have a family history of liver disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Liver disease is a condition that affects the liver, an important organ that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including detoxification, digestion, and storage of nutrients. When the liver is damaged, it can lead to various health problems, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.

Doctors may conduct a physical exam and take a medical history to diagnose liver disease. They may also order blood tests to check for liver enzymes and other markers of liver function. Imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may also evaluate the liver’s size and structure and detect any abnormalities. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to obtain a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment for liver disease depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the damage to the liver. For example, if liver disease is caused by alcohol abuse, the first step is to stop drinking alcohol. Medications may sometimes be prescribed to help manage symptoms or slow the disease’s progression. For more advanced cases, liver transplantation may be necessary. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can also help improve liver function and prevent further damage. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential for managing liver disease and preventing complications.

Can medical cannabis help? 

There is some evidence to suggest that medical cannabis may have the potential to treat liver disease and may help relieve symptoms associated with the condition. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of using medical cannabis to treat liver disease.

Studies have shown that cannabinoids, the active compounds in medical cannabis, have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. These properties may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, vital factors in developing and progressing liver disease. Additionally, some studies have suggested that medical cannabis may help alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting, which are common in liver disease patients.

However, the use of medical cannabis to treat liver disease is still controversial and may not be appropriate for all patients. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider knowledgeable about medical cannabis and liver disease to determine if it is a safe and effective treatment option for individual patients. Additionally, patients should always follow state and federal laws regarding the use of medical cannabis and obtain medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.