What is liver disease?
Liver disease is a broad term for any condition that damages the liver and reduces its ability to function. The liver performs over 500 functions — filtering blood, producing bile, making proteins, storing glycogen and metabolising drugs. Liver disease can be short-term (acute) or long-standing (chronic), and ranges from mild fatty liver to life-threatening liver failure.
Types of liver disease
Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD / MASLD)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — is the most common liver condition worldwide. Fat builds up in liver cells due to obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides or insulin resistance. Most people have no symptoms in early stages. Blood tests show mildly elevated SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST). Can progress to NASH (inflammation) and cirrhosis if untreated.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Caused by chronic heavy alcohol use. Progresses from fatty liver → alcoholic hepatitis → cirrhosis. Blood tests show elevated GGT (often 3× more than ALT), raised bilirubin, and low albumin in advanced stages. AST:ALT ratio is typically >2:1 in alcoholic liver disease.
Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of chronic liver disease globally. Both can be silent for years while damaging the liver. Hepatitis A and E cause acute illness but usually resolve. Blood tests show markedly raised SGPT (ALT), bilirubin and specific hepatitis antibody/antigen tests (HBsAg, Anti-HCV).
Cirrhosis
End-stage scarring of the liver that replaces healthy tissue with fibrous scar tissue. Caused by any long-term liver condition. Blood tests show low albumin, low platelet count, raised bilirubin, raised INR (blood clotting impaired), and low sodium. Once cirrhosis develops, it cannot be reversed but progression can be slowed.
Liver disease blood test results
| Test | Normal Range | What elevation means |
|---|---|---|
| SGPT / ALT | 7–56 U/L | Liver cell damage — most specific marker |
| SGOT / AST | 10–40 U/L | Liver damage (also rises in heart/muscle) |
| ALP | 44–147 U/L | Bile duct obstruction or bone disease |
| GGT | 9–48 U/L | Alcohol use or bile duct problems |
| Bilirubin (total) | 0.2–1.2 mg/dL | Jaundice — liver can't process bile |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.0 g/dL | Low = liver unable to make proteins (serious) |
| Platelet count | 150,000–400,000/μL | Low platelets = possible cirrhosis/portal hypertension |
Warning signs of liver disease
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Dark brown or cola-coloured urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) or legs (oedema)
- Itchy skin (pruritis) with no rash
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Can liver disease be reversed?
Early-stage liver disease — especially fatty liver — is often fully reversible with lifestyle changes: losing 7–10% of body weight, cutting out alcohol, improving blood sugar control, and regular exercise. Hepatitis B and C are now treatable with antiviral medications. Once cirrhosis develops, the scarring is permanent, but you can prevent further damage and reduce complications. Early detection through routine liver function tests (LFT) is the key.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Should I have a liver ultrasound to check for fatty liver or scarring?
- Do I need a hepatitis B or C test?
- Is my liver damage reversible?
- What diet changes will help my liver the most?
- Should I avoid any medications that are hard on the liver?