You should be aware that you cannot live without a liver! It is true the function of the liver is very important for our body and so as this organ. It is located in your abdomen region at the right upper quadrant, protected by the ribs. Liver damage can lead to several health issues, thus it is essential to know the early signs of liver damage and take necessary action to treat the problem.
12 Early Signs of Liver Damage
Liver diseases are huge in number and each one of them has own set of symptoms. However, there are some signs which your body provides an indication of the ill functioning of your liver. The common health diseases associated with liver are fatty liver diseases, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic liver disease. The early signs of liver diseases are often overlooked as they are non-specific. Here are 12 common signs of liver damage which you should know:
1. Upset Stomach
Nausea and vomiting are the early symptoms which you should identify. These symptoms are common among diseases like food poisoning, migraines, depression, vertigo, motion sickness and early pregnancy. However, these signs are also an indication of an upset stomach. The persistent nausea is due to early stage of liver damage, the underperformance of liver leads to accumulation of toxins in the body.
2. Fatigue and Overall Weakness
Constantly feeling weak and tired is also one of the early sign of liver damage. The body has to work harder when your liver is not in a great condition which leads to urge of the need of more rest. The increased level of toxin in the bloodstream also results in weakness as the liver is not able to get it clear for you. It is important to consult a doctor in case of constant weakness and tired feeling.
3. Lack of Appetite
When food is not properly digested it can lead to a lack of appetite and in some cases severe weight loss. The lack of bile production which is essential for the digestion of fat is the primary reason behind lack of appetite. Consult your doctor is you experience this sign for a long period of time.
4. Digestion Problems
The under performance or ill performance of liver create all sorts of digestion problem. As liver is not producing the bile which is essential for the nutrient absorption by the small intestine you can feel indigestion or sometimes can suffer with diarrhea. Fatty food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, alcohol intolerance, constipation, abdominal bloating and gallstones are also result of liver damage. If you find any of these signs for long time then it is better to seek medical attention.
5. Alterations in the Color of Urine
Elevated level of bilirubin in the bloodstream can turn your urine into dark color. If your urine start looking like amber, brown or orange in color then it is definitely a sign of liver damage. Bilirubin start excreted through kidneys as liver is not able to get rid of it.
6. Changes in Stool Coloration
The color of stool changes due to malfunctioning of liver and decreases the production of bile. The stool start appearing as clay colored, pale yellow or gray in color. If this is happening periodically you should get a liver check up by consulting your doctor.
7. Jaundice
In jaundice the bilirubin level in the body increases, thus your skin, fingertips, tongue, and eyes start appearing as yellow. The level of bilirubin increases in the body when old red blood cells are broken inside the liver. So, if you start getting signs of jaundice then there is an issue related to your gallbladder, liver or pancreas. In any case, the medical help is important and you should seek for it.
8. Abdominal Changes
Cramping or pain in the lower part of the abdomen can be a result of malfunctioning of the liver. This is also known as ascites which is an early sign of liver damage. The fluid gets built up inside your abdominal cavity which is a case of liver cirrhosis as well.
9. Fluid Retention
Fluid retention in feet and ankles is a sign of early stage of liver damage. It is similar to ascites, however, in this case, the fluid starts building up in the outer tissues of your lower extremities.
10. Increase in Skin Itching
Hypersensitive skin can be the result of liver deficiency which leads to flakes and itches on the skin. The increase in visibility of veins and bruising is also the result of liver damage.
11. Abdominal Pain
The liver is present in the right upper quadrant of your rib cage. If your liver starts malfunctioning then you might start feeling pain in the abdominal region. Also, tenderness in the abdominal area can be a result of liver damage.
12. Intestinal Bleeding, Diarrhea or Constipation
As liver fails to produce the clotting factor, the patient often suffers from bleeding of the intestine along with constipation or diarrhea.