Liver disease is becoming a growing health problem, especially fatty liver disease, as obesity rates keep rising. Liver disease is associated with a host of complications, and although the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself, it, too, has a breaking point.
A sick liver impacts all aspects of well-being, so spotting liver disease symptoms early on can prevent irreversible damage.
7 signs and symptoms of liver disease
Swollen stomach: Ascites is caused by an imbalance and a buildup of compounds and fluids in the tissues which can cause liver malfunction. Therefore, if your stomach appears swollen or if you have a potbelly, it could be a result of a liver problem.
Bruising: A sick liver produces less proteins that aid in blood clotting. As a result, you will find that you bruise or bleed easier.
Fatigue: If you’re always tired regardless of sleep and other factors, it could be a sign of a sick liver. Severe exhaustion could point to low blood oxygen levels and waste accumulation.
Abdominal pain: If you feel pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen –below the right rib – it could be a sign of liver cirrhosis. This pain may be sharp or throbbing, and it may come and go. It may even become so severe that you can no longer sit still.
Loss of appetite: If you notice a reduced appetite, it could be a sign of liver disease.
Yellow skin: When waste can no longer be eliminated because the liver is sick, skin appears to have a yellowish color to it. Eyes will appear yellow as well.
Vomiting: Unexplained and persistent vomiting is a sign of advanced liver problems. When your liver cannot remove waste, digestive distress increases, leading to nausea and vomiting.
These signs can very well overlap with other conditions, so it’s important that you get a thorough evaluation of your body as a whole in order to properly assess your liver health.
Related: What causes liver pain after drinking?