The liver, located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and enclosed partially by the ribs, is the largest organ in the human body. It is very important for a number of bodily functions. Therefore, it is crucial to known the symptoms of liver damage and how to address the problem.
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12 EARLY SYMPTOMS OF DAMAGED LIVER
In reality, there are more than 100 kinds of liver disease and each manifests differently. Some of these diseases are hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and fatty liver disease. Sometimes, people tend to mistake these signals for something else, as they aren’t very specific.
Take a look at some of the most usual early symptoms:
- Upset stomach
Vomiting and nausea are the most common symptoms; however, they can also point out to other diseases like food poisoning, migraines, motion sickness, kidney problems, vertigo, depression, early pregnancy, etc. It is important to mention that people who suffer from liver damage are likely to experience persistent nausea as the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins has decreased.
- Fatigue
Feeling tired and weak are common symptoms of a damaged liver. This happens as the liver is damaged and the body must work harder which requires more rest. Additionally, this is a result of the toxins that cannot be eliminated by the liver. If you experience frequent fatigue, always consult your physician.
- Loss of appetite
This symptom occurs as a result of lack of bile which helps with the digestion of fat. When the food isn’t properly digested, it leads to loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Digestion problems
The liver is important for the digestion process as it produces bile. Hence, if the bile fails to function properly, diarrhea and indigestion occur. When there is a lack of bile, the individual can experience fatty food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, constipation, and abdominal bloating.
- Changes in urine color
The increased levels of bilirubin in the blood cause the urine to have an orange, amber, or brown color. The bilirubin levels increase because the liver is unable to remove it and it is instead removed through the urine.
- Changes in stool color
When there is lack of bile, the color of the stool can change and instead of the normal brown color, it can be yellow, gray, or clay colored. If this condition is temporary, it isn’t dangerous. However, if it occurs all the time, you need medical attention.
- Jaundice
When a person has jaundice, the color of the eyes, the fingertips, the tongue, and the skin become yellow. It occurs when the bilirubin levels in the blood increase. Additionally, it may indicate problems with the pancreas or gallbladder.
- Abdominal changes
Cramps or ache in the lower part of your abdomen or bloating can be signs of a damaged liver. Ascites is one of the early symptoms of liver damage and it involves accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Portal hypertension-high blood pressure in the veins and arteries of the abdomen occurs as a result of liver damage.
- Fluid retention
Usually, this symptom manifests through bloating of the ankles and feet. It can also be a symptom of a lymphatic disease, heart failure, hormonal imbalance, and kidney problems.
- Skin itching
In case of liver deficiency, the skin becomes more sensitive and it flakes and itches. Also, it’s hypersensitive to touch. Moreover, there can be increased vein visibility and bruises. Proper moisturizing may help, however, the problem won’t go away until the condition is treated adequately.
- Abdominal ache
This is a normal symptom of damaged liver.
- Constipation, intestinal bleeding, and diarrhea
Without the clotting factors which the liver makes, bleeding in the intestines can occur, along with diarrhea and constipation.
This is not the complete list of liver damage symptoms. What’s more, liver deficiency can manifest through problems in the balance of sex hormones and, for example, men can develop breasts.
Likewise, both men and women can experience a loss of libido. It’s important to consult your doctor if you have problems that won’t go away and make you feel unwell.
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