Pain in the liver can be a sign of various health conditions that affect this vital organ. The liver performs multiple functions, such as filtering toxins from the body, producing bile, and storing glycogen.

When it’s not working properly, it can cause discomfort, swelling, and inflammation. Here are some of the potential causes of liver pain:.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. There are several types of hepatitis, such as A, B, C, D, and E. The most common types are B and C, which can lead to chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that can develop from long-term alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or other liver conditions. It’s characterized by the formation of scar tissue that replaces healthy liver cells and impairs the organ’s function.

Cirrhosis can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, edema, ascites, and abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back or shoulders.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard particles that form in the gallbladder and can block the bile ducts. This can cause inflammation and pain in the liver and the upper right side of the abdomen.

Gallstones may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice. Risk factors for gallstones include obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, and a high-fat diet.

Liver cancer

Liver cancer can also cause pain and discomfort in the liver area. This type of cancer can originate in the liver or spread from other organs.

It’s more common in people with chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, and those who have a history of hepatitis or liver infections. Liver cancer symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, jaundice, and swelling of the abdomen or legs.

Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver cells, leading to inflammation and scarring. This condition can be caused by obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Fatty liver disease may cause abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, and enlarged liver. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage. The cause of this condition is not fully understood, but it may involve genetic and environmental factors.

Autoimmune hepatitis may cause symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, itching, jaundice, and upper right abdominal pain.

Drug-induced liver injury

Drug-induced liver injury is a potential side effect of certain medications that can damage the liver cells and impair their function. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice.

Some of the drugs that can cause liver injury include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics.

Wilson’s disease

Wilson’s disease is a genetic condition that causes abnormal copper metabolism in the liver and brain, leading to the accumulation of copper in these organs. This can cause liver damage, neurological symptoms, and psychiatric disorders.

Wilson’s disease may cause symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, tremors, speech problems, and personality changes.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition in which the body absorbs too much iron from food, leading to its accumulation in the liver, pancreas, and other organs. This can cause liver damage, diabetes, joint pain, and skin discoloration.

Hemochromatosis may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, and enlarged liver.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in the liver area, it’s important to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Depending on the cause and severity of your liver pain, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, or other interventions. Early intervention can improve your liver function and prevent complications.