Chronic inflammatory liver diseases (CELE)
Modern diagnostics & therapy
Chronic inflammatory liver diseases (CELE) are often asymptomatic for a long time, but can lead to severe liver damage such as cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to slow down or halt the progression of the disease. At our practice, we offer you specialized examination methods and modern treatment options for diseases such as hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis and fatty liver hepatitis.
Symptoms
When should you see a doctor?
Liver diseases often go unnoticed for a long time as they progress gradually. Possible warning signs are
- Tiredness and poor performance
- Feeling of pressure or pain in the right upper abdomen
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice / icterus)
- Itching and skin rash
- Dark urine and light-colored stool
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite or nausea
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, we recommend a medical check-up.
Causes & risk factors for liver inflammation
Chronic liver inflammation can have various causes. The most common are
Viral infections
Hepatitis B & C
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune hepatitis
Fat metabolism disorders & overweight
Fatty liver hepatitis
Alcohol and drug abuse
Toxic influences & metabolic diseases
Diagnostics
How do we recognize chronic liver disease?
We use various examination methods to determine the cause of chronic liver inflammation:
Blood tests
Liver values, hepatitis markers, autoantibodies
Ultrasound & Elastography
Determination of liver hardening (fibroscan)
MRI & CT
Imaging methods for assessing the structure of the liver
Liver biopsy
Tissue sampling for precise diagnosis
Treatment options
Individually tailored therapies
Drug therapy
- Hepatitis B & C: Antiviral medication, often curable in the case of hepatitis C
- Autoimmune hepatitis: immunosuppressive drugs (cortisone, azathioprine)
- Fatty liver hepatitis: no direct drug therapy, but supportive measures
Nutrition & lifestyle optimization
- Reduction of excess weight & improvement of fat metabolism
- Abstain from alcohol & liver-damaging medication
- Mediterranean & liver-friendly diet
Liver transplantation as the last option
In very advanced cases, a transplant may be the only treatment option.
The earlier chronic liver disease is detected and treated, the better the prospects. Consistent therapy can prevent severe liver damage. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment if necessary.
Hepatitis B & C, autoimmune hepatitis & fatty liver hepatitis
The differences
Although both diseases belong to the group of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, they differ in several respects:
Hepatitis B & C - viral liver infections
- Cause: Infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses
- Transmission: Blood contact, sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission
- Progression: Acute or chronic, untreated risk of liver cirrhosis & liver cancer
- Treatment: Antiviral medication to control the virus, now curable treatment options for hepatitis C
Autoimmune hepatitis - misdirected immune reaction against the liver
- Cause: Overreaction of the immune system to the body’s own tissue
- Symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain, jaundice
- Treatment: Immunosuppressants to contain the inflammatory reaction
Fatty liver hepatitis (NASH) - liver inflammation caused by fatty deposits
- Cause: overweight, diabetes, unhealthy diet, alcohol
- Progression: Can develop into liver cirrhosis
- Treatment: lifestyle changes, dietary optimization, drug therapy for advanced cases
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How dangerous is chronic hepatitis?
If left untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. These risks can be significantly reduced with early treatment.
Can hepatitis B & C be cured?
Hepatitis C is now curable thanks to modern therapies. Hepatitis B can be well controlled with medication, but a complete cure is rare.
What role does diet play in liver disease?
A balanced, low-fat and liver-friendly diet can have a positive influence on the course of the disease.