The liver is a vital organ for survival because a lot of metabolic processes and body functions depend on it. It is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and it is partly protected by the ribs. If the liver is damaged then I can affect your overall health. If you know the early sing of liver damage then you can reduce the risks of possible health complications. In reality, there are more than 100 kinds of liver disease and each manifests differently. Some of these diseases are hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and fatty liver disease. Sometimes, people tend to mistake these signals for something else, as they aren’t very specific.
Take a look at some of the most usual early symptoms:
Upset stomach
Vomiting and nausea are the most common symptoms; however, they can also point out to other diseases like food poisoning, migraines, motion sickness, kidney problems, vertigo, depression, early pregnancy, etc. It is important to mention that people who suffer from liver damage are likely to experience persistent nausea as the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins has decreased.
Tiredness, Weakness, And Fatigue
Even if you get the needed rest, if your liver is damaged, you will constantly feel tired. Namely, toxins start to pile up into the bloodstream, and thus affect the flow of blood to the other body parts and organs, like the brain, heart, tissues, and muscles.
Skin itching – the health of the skin is affected by compromised liver function as well, thus the skin becomes hypersensitive to touch. It is also possible o have bruises and increased vein visibility. A temporary solution is keeping the skin moist.
Digestion Problems
The liver is important in digestion because it makes bile that helps the nutrients be better processed and absorbed by the small intestines. If the liver is failing, you can develop an increase in indigestion and diarrhea. If the bile is not produced properly, you can also experience irritable bowel syndrome, fatty food intolerance, alcohol intolerance, abdominal bloating, constipation and gallstones. If this becomes severe, you need to seek the medical attention of a doctor.
Fluid retention
One of the earliest sings of liver damage is fluid retention, predominantly in the feet and ankles. This condition can also be triggered by lymphatic system malfunction, heart failure, kidney issues as well as hormonal imbalance.
Changes in the Urine Color
This is another indicator of liver damage. The color of urine is usually changed to orange, brown, or amber, as a result of the increased bilirubin levels in the blood. This raise is caused by liver’s inability to eliminate the bilirubin, so they get flush out through the kidneys.
Changes in the Color of the Stool
If there is lack of bile, the color of the stool also can change. Instead of its usual brown color, it can become clay colored, pale yellow or gray. If this color is not persistent – it probably is not dangerous. But, if it becomes constant, it is necessary to seek for medical attention.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow coloration to the skin, tongue, fingertips, and eyes. Jaundice is from an increase in bilirubin in the bloodstream and in the bodily tissue that would normally be excreted in the bile. Bilirubin builds up when old red blood cells are broken down inside the liver. It causes the skin to become yellow. Jaundice can also mean you have a problem with the pancreas or gallbladder, so you should seek medical attention as soon as you can if you develop this symptom.
Loss of appetite
This symptom occurs as a result of lack of bile which helps with the digestion of fat. When the food isn’t properly digested, it leads to loss of appetite and weight loss.
Persistent Skin Irritation
Other common symptoms of liver issues are sensitive skin, itchiness, skin sensitive to touch, and even more prominent veins.If you experience some of these issues, it is advisable to visit your doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis of their cause.
Abdominal changes
when the liver is damaged it can trigger cramping or pain in the lower part of the abdomen and also bloating. Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity appears as an early symptom of liver damage. Hypertension can appear due to liver disease.
Fluid Retention
One of the early symptoms of damaged liver is fluid retention, especially in the ankles and feet. It can appear as a result of heart failure, lymphatic disease, kidney problems, and hormonal imbalance.
Constipation, intestinal bleeding, and diarrhea
The liver also takes part in blood clotting. When this function is compromised, intestinal bleeding diarrhea and constipation may occur.
