Covid-19 and Liver Injury
Liver injury is a common complication of COVID-19. It can range from mild elevation of liver enzymes to severe liver injury and, even, acute liver failure.
The exact mechanism of liver injury in COVID-19 is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including: Direct damage to the liver cells by the virus.
The body’s immune response to the virus, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver. Drug-induced liver injury, which can be caused by some of the medications used to treat COVID-19. Pre-existing liver disease, which can make people more susceptible to liver injury from COVID-19.
The symptoms of liver injury in COVID-19 can vary and may include:
The exact mechanism of liver injury in COVID-19 is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including: Direct damage to the liver cells by the virus.
The body’s immune response to the virus, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver. Drug-induced liver injury, which can be caused by some of the medications used to treat COVID-19. Pre-existing liver disease, which can make people more susceptible to liver injury from COVID-19.
The symptoms of liver injury in COVID-19 can vary and may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
If you experience any of these symptoms after you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is important to see your doctor. They can order blood tests to check your liver function and rule out other causes of liver injury.
In most cases, liver injury from COVID-19 is mild and resolves on its own. However, in some cases, it can be severe and require hospitalization. There is no specific treatment for liver injury from COVID-19, but supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and medications to manage symptoms, may be helpful.
If you have underlying liver disease, you are at increased risk of developing liver injury from COVID-19. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk and how to protect your liver.
In most cases, liver injury from COVID-19 is mild and resolves on its own. However, in some cases, it can be severe and require hospitalization. There is no specific treatment for liver injury from COVID-19, but supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and medications to manage symptoms, may be helpful.
If you have underlying liver disease, you are at increased risk of developing liver injury from COVID-19. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk and how to protect your liver.