The liver is the largest solid organ in our body. It’s partially protected by the ribs as it’s located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
This organ plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, so it’s important to take care of it. For that purpose, we present you the following signs of liver damage.
12 Early Symptoms of Liver Damage
Each liver disease, and there are over 100 of them, has different symptoms. Some of these diseases are cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic liver disease. The symptoms aren’t specific so you might easily mistake them for some other condition. These are the most common early symptoms:
1.Upset Stomach
Nausea and vomiting are common signs, but they often mimic other conditions like migraines, food poisoning, vomiting, vertigo, early pregnancy, motion sickness, and depression. They can also indicate kidney problems. If you have damaged liver, you will probably suffer from constant nausea, as the ability of the liver to flush out toxins is reduced. Another reason for nausea can be frequent changes in metabolism and digestion. We recommend consulting a doctor if you have these symptoms.
2.Weakness and Fatigue
One of the early and obvious symptoms of liver damage is weakness and constant tiredness. Damaged liver causes the body to work harder, therefore requiring more rest. This is due to the inability of liver to eliminate toxins from the blood. If you have these symptoms for a longer period, consult a doctor.
3.Loss of Appetite
Not enough bile means loss of appetite. The bile helps in fat digestion, and when the food is not properly digested, you have reduced appetite and drastic loss of weight.
4.Problems with Digestion
The liver is crucial for digestion as it produces bile. If this organ is damaged, it can cause indigestion and diarrhea. What’s more, bile deficiency can cause irritable bowel syndrome, fatty food intolerance, alcohol intolerance, gallstones, abdominal bloating, and constipation.
5.Changes in the Urine Color
This is another indicator of liver damage. The color of urine is usually changed to orange, brown, or amber, as a result of the increased bilirubin levels in the blood. This raise is caused by liver’s inability to eliminate the bilirubin, so they get flush out through the kidneys.
6.Changes in the Stool Color
The color of stool can as well change when there’s lack of bile. Instead of the regular brown color, it can be pale yellow, clay colored, or gray. But if this change is not persistent, it doesn’t impose any danger. On the contrary, if it happens all the time, you must seek proper medical attention.
7.Jaundice
During this condition, the color of skin, eyes, tongue, and fingertips becomes yellow. This change is caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. However, jaundice can as well appear as a result of pancreas or gallbladder problems, so the best thing is to consult with your doctor.
8.Abdominal Changes
Pain or cramping in the lower part of the abdomen, as well as feeling bloated, can be caused by a liver damage. Ascites is one early symptom of damaged liver, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other consequences of liver disease include high blood pressure in the arteries and veins of the abdomen, also known as portal hypertension.
9. Fluid Retention
One of the early symptoms of damaged liver is fluid retention, especially in the ankles and feet. It can appear as a result of heart failure, lymphatic disease, kidney problems, and hormonal imbalance.
10. Increased Sensitivity of the Skin
When the liver is damaged, the skin tends to be more sensitive and prone to itches and flakes. It’s as well overly sensitive to touch, and the veins visibility is increased. You can notice more bruises too. Although maintaining the moisture of your skin can help, the problem will stay until you solve the issue with your liver.
11. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain or tenderness in this area is one of the most common symptoms of liver damage.
12. Diarrhea, Constipation, and Intestinal Bleeding
Without the clotting factors made by the liver, there might be intestinal bleeding correlated with diarrhea and constipation.
These are just 12 of the many early signs of liver damage. For example, liver damage can also cause hormonal imbalance in men, leading to loss of libido and enlarged breasts in men. If you notice any of these changes, consult your doctor immediately.
Via Medium | Medium