Hepatic deficiency is a medical condition where the liver is unable to function properly due to disease, injury or other factors.

The liver is one of the vital organs in the human body and is responsible for carrying out several metabolic functions such as filtering blood, producing bile and storing essential vitamins and minerals. A hepatic deficiency can cause several health complications that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Identifying the warning signs of hepatic deficiency is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible and prevent further damage to the liver. Here are ten warning signs of hepatic deficiency that you should not ignore:.

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is a medical condition where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

A hepatic deficiency can cause jaundice as the liver is unable to process bilirubin. In severe cases, jaundice can lead to liver failure if not treated promptly.

2. Abdominal Pain and Swelling

A hepatic deficiency can cause pain and swelling in the abdomen due to the inflammation of the liver. The liver, when inflamed, can cause discomfort, pain, and swelling on the right side of the abdomen.

The swelling can be severe, and if left untreated, it can cause liver failure.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

A hepatic deficiency can cause nausea and vomiting due to the build-up of toxins in the blood. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body.

However, when the liver is not functioning correctly, toxins accumulate in the body, leading to nausea and vomiting.

4. Fatigue and Weakness

A hepatic deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood. The liver produces essential proteins and nutrients that are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

When the liver is not working correctly, the body experiences a lack of essential nutrients, leading to fatigue and weakness.

5. Itchy Skin

A hepatic deficiency can cause itchy skin due to the accumulation of bile salts in the skin. The liver produces bile, which helps to break down fats.

However, when the liver is not functioning correctly, bile salts accumulate in the skin, causing itchiness.

6. Dark Urine

A hepatic deficiency can cause dark urine due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the urine. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

When the liver is not functioning correctly, bilirubin accumulates in the urine, causing it to turn dark.

7. Pale Stool

A hepatic deficiency can cause pale stool due to the inability of the liver to produce enough bile to break down fats. Bile is a greenish-brown fluid produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats.

When the liver is not functioning correctly, it can cause a lack of bile in the stool, causing it to appear pale or clay-colored.

8. Spider Naevi

A hepatic deficiency can cause spider naevi, which are small red blood vessels that appear on the skin. These are caused due to an increase in estrogen levels in the body. The liver is responsible for metabolizing estrogen.

When the liver is not functioning correctly, it can cause an increase in estrogen levels, leading to spider naevi.

9. Edema

A hepatic deficiency can cause edema, which is the swelling of the legs and feet. The liver produces albumin, a protein that helps regulate fluid levels in the body.

When the liver is not functioning correctly, it can cause a lack of albumin, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues.

10. Mental Confusion

A hepatic deficiency can cause mental confusion due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood. The liver filters toxins from the blood, preventing them from reaching the brain.

However, when the liver is not functioning correctly, toxins can accumulate in the blood, leading to mental confusion.

Identifying the warning signs of hepatic deficiency is crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible. If you experience any of the above-mentioned warning signs, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately to prevent further damage to the liver.