Liver conditions - LiverWELL

Introduction

There are over 100 liver diseases and they can affect anyone, adults and children.

Those at risk of liver damage include people who:

Are overweight or obese and have a fatty liver
Drink too much alcohol
Have a liver infection, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, that has not been diagnosed and is not treated
Have a problem with their immune system that leads to liver disease
Are born with liver disease.

Hepatitis B is a blood-borne and sexually transmitted infection which means it can be transmitted by blood to blood and sexual fluid contact.

Hepatitis B can also transmit from mother to child during childbirth.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Transmission of hepatitis C may only occur when the blood of an infected person enters the bloodstream of another person.

Hepatitis A, D & E

Hepatitis A, D & E virus

Alcohol-related liver disease

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake.

Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition caused by a build-up of fat in liver cells.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Steatohepatitis (NASH) is part of a progressive continuum in a group of conditions called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), whereby a build-up of fat in the liver causes the liver to become inflamed and damaged.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis develops when the liver is permanently damaged and scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a cancer affecting the cells of your liver. It can develop when liver cells become abnormal and keep multiplying and growing.

Less Common Liver Conditions

Some less common disorders of the liver: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Autoimmune liver disorders, Galactosaemia, Haemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.

Stigma & Discrimination

People who live with a liver condition such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, have reported been discriminated against.

Migration & visa information

LiverWELL has produced an easy to understand introductory resource to support those affected in understanding how hepatitis B affects their visa application and some processes along the way.

LiverWELL acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We welcome people from all cultures, nationalities and religions. Being inclusive and providing equitable services is our commitment.

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Topics you might be interested in

Liver
Conditions

There are over 100 liver diseases and they can affect anyone, adults and children.

Liver health resources