The liver is a vital organ of the human body responsible for various essential functions such as producing bile, processing nutrients, and filtering toxins.

Unfortunately, it’s also susceptible to damage from alcohol abuse, obesity, viral infections, and more. If your liver isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to severe health consequences like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Here are ten warning signs that your liver is struggling:.

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It happens when the liver cannot remove bilirubin from the bloodstream properly. Bilirubin is a waste product created when red blood cells break down.

If the liver isn’t functioning properly, bilirubin levels increase, leading to jaundice. Other symptoms of jaundice can include dark urine and light-colored stools.

2. Fatigue

Excessive fatigue is a common symptom when your liver is struggling. This happens because the liver is responsible for converting food into energy. When it’s not functioning correctly, you may feel weak and tired all the time.

Fatigue can also be a symptom of other liver diseases such as hepatitis C, which can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome, a long-term condition characterized by extreme tiredness.

3. Abdominal Pain and Swelling

Unexplained abdominal pain and swelling are also signs of liver dysfunction. You may feel a dull ache or sharp pain on the right side of your abdomen, where the liver is located.

If your liver isn’t functioning correctly, fluid may accumulate in the abdomen, leading to abdominal swelling or bloating.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Another sign of liver problems is nausea and vomiting. The liver plays a crucial role in digestion, by producing bile that helps break down food.

If your liver isn’t working correctly, you may experience digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

5. Changes in Urine Color

If you notice changes in your urine color, it could be a sign of liver dysfunction. In some cases, your urine may become dark-colored, indicating that your liver isn’t clearing bilirubin from your body effectively.

6. Itching

Unexplained itching is another symptom of liver dysfunction that you should be aware of. It can happen when bile salts build up in your blood due to impaired liver function.

Itchy skin can also be a symptom of other liver conditions like primary biliary cirrhosis.

7. Loss of Appetite

Your liver plays a critical role in metabolism and digestion. If it’s not doing its job correctly, you may lose your appetite. This could be a sign of liver disease or a symptom of other conditions like gallstones or pancreatitis.

8. Sudden Weight Loss

If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be a warning sign of liver disease. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, and when it’s not functioning correctly, your body may not be able to absorb nutrients effectively.

9. Bruising Easily

If you notice that you’re bruising more easily than usual, it could be a sign of liver dysfunction. The liver helps produce clotting factors that help stop bleeding.

If it’s not functioning correctly, you may experience bleeding or bruising easily.

10. Spider angiomas or Palmar erythema

Spider angiomas and palmar erythema are physical signs that your liver may be struggling. Spider angiomas are small, red spider-like blood vessels that appear on the skin, while palmar erythema is a reddening of the palms of the hands.

Both are a result of changes in the blood vessels due to liver dysfunction.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of liver disease can help prevent serious health complications and even save your life.