Health

30 indications that your liver is in trouble

Know the signs of liver trouble, including jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, itchy skin, and more, and the importance of taking immediate medical action by queenieclayton
Estimated reading time: 5 min 23 sec
30 indications that your liver is in trouble Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body that performs many essential functions. It is responsible for filtering blood, processing nutrients, and breaking down medications, toxins, and harmful substances.

Any damage or injury to the liver can lead to serious health problems and even life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to know the indications that your liver is in trouble. Here are 30 signs that you should be aware of:.

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that occurs when the liver cannot remove bilirubin, a waste product created by the breakdown of red blood cells. It is a clear indication that something is wrong with the liver function.

2. Fatigue

If you’re feeling tired, weak, and easily exhausted, it could be a sign of liver damage. The liver helps convert food into energy in addition to other vital functions, so when it’s not functioning well, you can feel fatigued.

3. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain on the right side of the body can indicate liver health problems. Sometimes the pain is mild, and sometimes it can be severe.

4. Itchy Skin

Liver damage can cause skin itching, especially during the night. If you experience persistent, unexplained itching, it could be due to liver problems.

5. Swelling in the Legs and Ankles

Liver disease can lead to fluid retention, which can cause swelling in the legs and ankles. This swelling is known as edema and is caused by impairment of liver function or by increased pressure in the blood vessels that run through the liver.

6. Persistent Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can be caused by numerous health issues, including liver disease. If nausea and vomiting persist, medical consultation may be necessary.

7. Loss of Appetite

The liver produces bile, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. If you have difficulty digesting fatty foods or loss of appetite, your liver may not be producing enough bile, which could be an indication of liver damage.

8. Skin Rash

A skin rash can be a warning signal of liver disease. Rashes are a common symptom of acute hepatitis, and they can vary in appearance from small red bumps to widespread redness and itching.

9. Dark Urine

Dark-colored urine is yet another indication of liver damage. Bilirubin, a waste product that the liver normally processes, is responsible for the yellow color of urine.

When the liver is not functioning correctly, bilirubin levels rise, leading to dark urine.

10. Pale-Colored Stools

Pale-colored stools are another symptom of liver disease. When the liver is not producing enough bile, it can lead to a lack of color in the stool.

11. Weight Loss

If you’re experiencing sudden or unexplained weight loss, it could be a sign of liver damage. Weight loss can occur due to a lack of appetite or difficulty digesting food.

12. Fluid in the Abdomen

Fluid retention can lead to a buildup of fluid in your abdomen, known as ascites. Ascites can be caused by liver damage or by liver cancer. If you experience swelling in your abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.

13. Confusion and Forgetfulness

The liver helps filter toxins from the body. When the liver is not working correctly, toxins can build up in the body and affect the brain, leading to confusion and forgetfulness.

14. Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, red, and blue veins that appear on the skin’s surface. They can be an indication of liver disease, especially cirrhosis.

15. Increased Sensitivity to Medications

The liver plays a vital role in breaking down medications in the body. Liver damage can lead to a decrease in the liver’s ability to process medications, leading to increased sensitivity to them.

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16. Bruising Easily

Bruising easily is a sign of liver damage. The liver is responsible for producing proteins needed for blood clotting. A damaged liver cannot produce these proteins, leading to increased bruising and bleeding.

17. Loss of Sex Drive

Liver disease can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and impotence in men.

18. Hormonal Imbalances

The liver plays an essential role in regulating hormones in the body. Liver damage can lead to hormonal imbalances, causing a variety of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, breast enlargement in men and women, and other hormonal imbalances.

19. Enlarged Liver

An enlarged liver, also known as hepatomegaly, can be caused by numerous health issues, including liver damage and fatty liver disease.

20. Elevated Liver Enzymes

Liver enzymes are responsible for breaking down and processing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. If the liver is damaged, it can cause elevated liver enzyme levels, which can be detected through blood tests.

21. High Cholesterol Levels

The liver is responsible for producing cholesterol and helping to remove excess cholesterol from the body. If the liver is not functioning correctly, it can lead to high cholesterol levels.

22. Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a well-known symptom of liver dysfunction, and it is often one of the first indications that something is wrong.

23. Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation can be an indication of liver damage, and it is often accompanied by other digestive system symptoms.

24. Insomnia

Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of liver damage. It can be due to hormonal imbalances, which can affect sleep patterns.

25. Low Blood Sugar Levels

The liver is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Liver damage can lead to low blood sugar, which can cause symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, and confusion.

26. Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes can be a warning sign of liver damage. The liver helps remove toxins from the body, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can cause itching and other skin problems.

27. Fever and Chills

If you have a fever, body aches, and chills, it could be an indication of liver disease.

28. Shoulder and Upper Back Pain

Shoulder and upper back pain can be an indication of liver damage.

29. Cramping and Abdominal Pain after Eating

If you experience cramping and abdominal pain after eating, it could be due to a liver problem, such as cirrhosis.

30. Yellow-Colored Eye Whites

If the whites of your eyes are yellow, it could be an indication of liver damage.

Conclusion

The liver performs many fundamental functions, making it a critical organ in our bodies. Any damage or injury to the liver can lead to serious health problems, and it is essential to know the indications that your liver is in trouble.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor immediately to receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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