The liver plays a vital role in the body’s functioning by removing toxins, producing bile, and metabolizing nutrients. Unfortunately, it is also prone to various types of damage that can lead to hepatic deficiency.

This condition occurs when the liver is unable to perform its essential functions due to disease, injury, or poor nutrition. Spotting hepatic deficiency early on is crucial to treating the underlying cause and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.

In this visual guide, we’ll discuss some of the most common signs of hepatic deficiency and what they mean for your health.

Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes

One of the most noticeable signs of hepatic deficiency is jaundice, which causes a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

This happens when the liver isn’t able to process bilirubin, a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. When bilirubin levels build up in the blood, it can seep into the surrounding tissues, causing the yellow coloration. In addition to hepatic deficiency, jaundice can also be a sign of other liver problems, such as hepatitis and gallstones.

Abdominal Pain and Swelling

The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, so problems with this organ can cause discomfort in this area.

People with hepatic deficiency may experience a dull, achy pain that starts in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and radiates to the back or shoulder. The abdomen may also become swollen or distended due to fluid buildup, known as ascites. Ascites can be a sign of advanced liver disease and may cause shortness of breath, indigestion, and reduced appetite.

Easy Bruising and Bleeding

The liver produces a variety of clotting factors that help prevent excessive bleeding. When the liver is damaged, it may not be able to produce these factors, leading to a higher risk of bruising and bleeding.

People with hepatic deficiency may notice that they develop bruises more easily than usual, or that small cuts and scrapes take longer to heal. In severe cases, liver damage can cause spontaneous bleeding from the nose, gums, or gastrointestinal tract.

Fatigue and Weakness

The liver is responsible for processing nutrients into energy that the body can use. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, people may experience fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of malaise.

This can be due to a buildup of toxins in the blood, which can interfere with normal bodily functions. Additionally, people with hepatic deficiency may not be able to store glucose effectively, leading to low blood sugar levels and feelings of weakness and shakiness.

Changes in Urine and Stool Color

Another sign of hepatic deficiency is changes in urine and stool color. Normally, urine is a light yellow color, and stool is brown. However, when the liver is damaged, bilirubin levels in the blood can rise, causing urine to turn dark yellow or brown.

Stool may also become pale or clay-colored, as the liver isn’t able to process bile properly. These color changes are a clear indication that liver function is impaired and that medical attention is needed.

Loss of Appetite and Nausea

The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats and absorb nutrients from food. When the liver isn’t producing enough bile, people may experience a loss of appetite and nausea.

This is because the body isn’t able to break down food properly, leading to a build-up of undigested material in the intestines. Additionally, toxins in the blood can cause feelings of nausea and queasiness.

Mental Confusion and Memory Problems

The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and preventing them from reaching the brain. When the liver is damaged, toxins can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to cognitive problems such as confusion and memory loss.

In advanced cases of hepatic deficiency, people may also experience hallucinations, delirium, and coma. These symptoms are a sign that liver failure is imminent and that emergency medical care is needed.

Fluid Retention and Swelling

As mentioned earlier, ascites is a common sign of hepatic deficiency, which causes fluid to build up in the abdomen. In addition, people with liver problems may experience swelling in the legs and ankles due to fluid retention, known as edema.

This can be caused by an imbalance in the body’s fluids, which can lead to reduced kidney function and fluid accumulation in the tissues.

Spider Angiomas and Red Palms

Spider angiomas are small, red, spiderweb-like veins that appear on the skin’s surface. These can be a sign of liver damage, as they are caused by the dilation of blood vessels in response to hormonal changes.

Additionally, people with hepatic deficiency may notice that their palms become reddened and itchy, a condition known as palmar erythema. This is due to the increased blood flow that occurs in the hands when the liver isn’t functioning properly.

Unexplained Weight Loss

People with hepatic deficiency may experience unexplained weight loss, even if they are eating the same amount of food as before.

This is because the liver isn’t able to process nutrients effectively, leading to muscle wasting and decreased appetite. Additionally, people with advanced liver disease may experience a loss of muscle mass due to the body’s inability to store protein.