The liver is one of the largest and most essential organs in the body. It plays various vital functions that include metabolism of nutrients, storage of energy, detoxification of waste products and synthesis of proteins.

Liver pain is a common problem that can arise from various underlying conditions, ranging from mild to severe. Severe liver pain is a hallmark sign of liver disease and needs immediate medical attention. Here are the warning signs of severe liver pain:.

Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes

Yellowing of the skin and eyes, also known as jaundice, is one of the most prevalent warning signs of severe liver pain. It occurs when there is a build-up of bilirubin, a byproduct of the liver’s metabolism, in the bloodstream.

Jaundice can be caused by several liver disorders, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Other symptoms that accompany jaundice include dark urine, pale stools, and itching.

Abdominal Pain and Swelling

Abdominal pain and swelling are common symptoms of liver pain, particularly in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen, where the liver is located. The swelling is caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites.

The pain is often dull and persistent and can be accompanied by bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Ascites and abdominal pain and swelling are common symptoms of liver cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that results from damage and scarring of liver tissue.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common warning signs of severe liver pain, especially if the pain is caused by liver disease. Hepatitis, liver cancer, and cirrhosis are some liver diseases that can cause nausea and vomiting.

The nausea can be accompanied by loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss. Nausea and vomiting can also be caused by liver pain medications, especially those that contain acetaminophen.

Unexplained Fatigue and Weakness

Unexplained fatigue and weakness are common signs of liver pain and liver disease. They occur due to the reduced ability of the liver to produce and store energy.

Some liver diseases that can cause fatigue and weakness include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease. Fatigue and weakness can also be accompanied by abdominal pain, itching, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Bruising and Bleeding

Bruising and bleeding are warning signs of liver pain, especially if they occur frequently and unexplained. The liver is responsible for producing clotting factors that prevent excessive bleeding.

However, when the liver is damaged, it can’t produce enough clotting factors, resulting in bruising and bleeding. Liver pain can also cause nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual periods in women.

Mental Confusion and Disorientation

Mental confusion and disorientation are common warning signs of severe liver pain, particularly if it’s caused by liver failure.

The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the bloodstream, and when it fails, toxins can accumulate and affect brain function. The confusion can be mild or severe and can be accompanied by memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes.

Blood in Stool

Blood in stool, also known as melena, is a warning sign of severe liver pain that needs immediate medical attention. It can be caused by various liver diseases, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disease.

Blood in stool can also be a side effect of liver pain medication, especially if it contains aspirin or ibuprofen.

High Fever

A high fever is a warning sign of severe liver pain that needs immediate medical attention. It can be caused by several liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

A high fever can also be caused by liver abscess, a bacterial infection that occurs when pus collects in the liver. Other symptoms that accompany high fever include chills, sweating, and headache.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is a warning sign of liver pain that can be caused by several liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

The weight loss can be gradual or sudden and can be accompanied by fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. Unexplained weight loss can also be a side effect of liver pain medication, especially those that contain acetaminophen.

Dark-Colored Urine

Dark-colored urine, also known as tea-colored urine, is a warning sign of severe liver pain that needs immediate medical attention.

It occurs when the liver is unable to remove bilirubin from the bloodstream, resulting in the accumulation of bilirubin in the urine. Dark-colored urine can be caused by several liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Other symptoms that accompany dark-colored urine include pale stools, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and abdominal pain.