Symptoms of Liver Disease

Symptoms of Liver Disease

There are more than 100 known liver diseases. The body reacts differently when the liver loses its function or there is a problem. Let's take a look at the symptoms of liver disease together.

There are more than 100 different types of liver disease. Liver diseases can be caused by infections, too much alcohol, certain drugs, toxins, drugs, obesity, and cancer. However, these reasons are generally known to everyone.

When the liver becomes dysfunctional or starts to lose its function over time, the body can show serious symptoms.

Although there are different diseases and different causes, many liver conditions damage the liver in a similar way. Therefore, they may look similar and cause similar symptoms.

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Sometimes liver damage and even liver failure and related symptoms can be acute or come on rapidly. This can happen if you take too much acetaminophen or other medicines. Herbal supplements, viruses, and autoimmune conditions can also cause it. But most often liver diseases and liver failure are chronic. This means that they occur gradually as the liver is gradually damaged over time. In this case, symptoms may appear more slowly.

Early Liver Disease Symptoms

You may not notice the early symptoms. You may be feeling ill or unwell in general and you may not know why. This is because the early signs of a liver problem are vague, such as:

  • Belly pain
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Tiredness or lack of energy
  • Diarrhea

Yellow Skin or Jaundice

As the liver becomes more damaged, you may notice clearer signs of a problem. Your skin may appear yellow along with the whites of your eyes. Doctors call it jaundice. This happens when too much yellow substance called bilirubin builds up from your red blood cells. Normally, your liver clears bilirubin. But a damaged liver cannot do this, so levels rise.

Constant Itching

If you have persistent liver problems, you may feel itchy. This happens even if you don't have a rash or anything on your skin. The itching can make it difficult to do things like sleep. Even if you draw it will continue.

Swollen Belly

If you have scarring on your liver, it can block blood flow to your liver and increase the pressure in the surrounding blood vessels. This causes fluid to leak out and accumulate in your abdomen. There may be some fluid and swelling, or it may be too much. Your belly may become very large and your belly button may stick out.

Swollen Legs or Ankles

In some people with ascites, their legs and ankles swell as fluid builds up. It can help you eat less salt or take medications that make you pee more.

Pale Poop and Dark Pee

Your liver is the reason why healthy poop looks brown. The brown color comes from bile salts made by your liver. If your liver is not making bile normally or if the flow from the liver is blocked, your poop will look pale, like clay. The extra bilirubin that causes your skin to appear yellow can make your pee unusually dark.

Fatigue and Confusion

Many people with liver disease suffer from persistent fatigue. This may be due to toxins accumulating because your liver isn't clearing them properly. The buildup of toxins in your body and in your bloodstream can also affect brain function. You may be confused or have trouble concentrating.

Nausea and Vomiting

If you have liver disease, your stomach may deteriorate prematurely. As the disease and damage to your liver continue, increased levels of toxins can make this worse. Persistent nausea or vomiting is often a sign of liver problems.

Bruising and Bleeding on the Skin

If your liver is not working well, you may find that you bruise more easily. If you get a cut or nosebleed, it may not stop as it should.

Red Palm and Capillaries

There may be red, spider web-like scars in the blood vessels under your skin. Doctors call them spider nevi. They usually appear on the cheeks, nose and neck. People with these spider-like scars also often have a rash on their palms. Spotted red palms are another sign of advanced liver disease.

Source: WebMD
Photos: Unsplash

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