The first stage of liver damage is inflammation of the liver.
Understanding Liver Inflammation
Liver inflammation, also known as hepatitis, occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as toxins. This response can lead to a variety of issues, and is the initial stage of liver damage.
Causes of Liver Inflammation
Several factors can lead to liver inflammation:
- Fatty Liver: The accumulation of excess fat in the liver can cause inflammation.
- Hepatitis: Viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, are common causes of liver inflammation.
- Toxins: Exposure to harmful chemicals or substances can trigger liver inflammation.
What Happens During Stage 1?
During stage one of liver damage, the liver becomes inflamed. This inflammation can:
- Result in an enlarged liver.
- Potentially lead to chronic inflammation if the cause isn’t addressed.
Progression of Liver Damage
It's important to note that untreated chronic inflammation can progress to more severe stages of liver damage. According to the reference, the second stage is liver fibrosis or scarring.
Key Takeaways
Here's a summary of the first stage of liver damage:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Inflammation of the liver caused by immune response to foreign substances. |
| Stage 2 | Liver fibrosis or liver scarring due to chronic inflammation. |
Early detection and treatment of the first stage of liver damage are vital to prevent more serious complications.
