Located on the right side of the abdomen and weighing approximately three pounds, the liver's main function is to clean the blood and filter out impurities before they reach the rest of the body. The liver is divided into two sections and works with other organs to absorb, digest and process all ingested substances, such as food, liquids and medications. Liver disease occurs when the liver, for whatever reason, is unable to perform one or more of these vital tasks. There are many different types of liver disease, with varying causes, symptoms and treatments.Types of Liver DiseaseThere are many different types of liver disease, including, but not limited to, the following:Hepatitis A, B and CCirrhosisFatty liver diseaseLiver cancerGilbert's syndromeBudd-Chiari syndromeSymptoms of Liver DiseaseAlthough there are several types of liver disease, they typically present similar symptoms. Some signs and symptoms of liver problems include the following:Pain and swelling of the right side of the abdomenYellowed eyes or skinChronic fatigueDark yellow urineBloody or discolored stoolDecreased appetitesNauseaCauses and Risk Factors of Liver DiseaseAlthough some types of liver damage are hereditary or other wise unpreventable, many can be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and abstaining from harmful substances and behaviors. For example, drugs and alcohol are common causes of liver disease. The consumption of excess drugs and alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, certain types of hepatitis and liver failure. In addition to illicit drugs, certain prescription medications, including antidepressants, pain relievers and antihistamines, can lead to liver damage. Liver disease can also be transmitted through the use of dirty tattoo and piercing equipment, shared hypodermic syringes, blood transfusions, exposure to bodily fluids and unprotected sex.Treatment of Liver DiseaseDepending upon a diagnosis, treatment methods for liver disease can vary. Some liver conditions, such as hepatitis A, go away on their own. Others may be treated with antiviral medications, chemotherapy or radiation, the draining of fluid from the abdomen through the use of a syringe, liver transplant or surgical resection of the liver.