Liver disease is a common but often underdiagnosed condition that can have serious consequences. The liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in metabolism, detoxification and digestion. When he becomes ill, it can lead to a multitude of problems.
There are many types of liver disease, ranging from viral hepatitis to fatty liver disease. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of liver disease, but some common signs may indicate liver damage. Here are 8 alarming signs that you need to approach a health professional for further examinations.
Fatigue.
Fatigue is a common symptom of many diseases and disorders, including liver disease. While fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of sleep or physical activity, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In the case of liver disease, fatigue is usually caused by the accumulation of toxins in the blood. When the liver is damaged, it is less able to filter these toxins, which leads to an increase in their concentration in the bloodstream. This can cause feelings of lethargy and fatigue.
Weightloss :
Liver disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Weight loss can be one of the first signs that something is wrong. Although there are many possible causes of weight loss, this one can be a sign that the liver is not working properly. The liver plays an essential role in fat metabolism, so when it comes to an imbalance in its functioning, fat metabolism can be impaired. This can lead to weight loss. Liver disease can also cause changes in hormone levels, which can lead to decreased muscle mass and lower metabolism, two factors that can lead to weight loss. If you are losing weight unintentionally, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out liver disease as a possible cause.
Weakness :
One of the many potential signs of liver disease is weakness. Although this symptom may seem relatively minor, it can be a serious indicator of underlying problems. Liver disease can cause a wide range of problems, from digestive difficulties to hormonal imbalances. In many cases, these problems can lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, which in turn can cause weakness and fatigue.
Nausea and vomiting:
This may be due to an accumulation of toxins in the blood, the liver being responsible for filtering them. Nausea and vomiting can also be caused by loss of appetite, which is another common symptom of liver disease. When liver function is not at its best, it cannot store enough nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. Also, liver disease can cause inflammation, which can put pressure on the stomach and cause nausea.
Decreased appetite:
The liver is responsible for many important functions, including the production of enzymes that help break down food. When the liver is damaged, it cannot produce enough of these enzymes, resulting in a buildup of toxins in the body. These toxins can cause nausea and make eating difficult. If you suffer from a sudden decrease in appetite, know that it is time to seek medical advice.
Abdominal pain or bloating:
The accumulation of toxins can also lead to abdominal discomfort. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood. When it doesn’t do its job as it should, these toxins can cause pain over time. Remember that liver disease usually produces inflammation, which in turn can trigger abdominal pain and bloating. In some cases, liver disease can also cause ascites. A condition in which fluid builds up in the abdomen. This fluid buildup, like inflammation, produces pain and bloating.
Dark urine or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice):
Dark urine comes from an accumulation of toxins following a damaged liver, unable to accomplish its task of detoxification. Jaundice occurs when there is excess bilirubin in the blood. This may be a sign that the liver is not able to filter toxins effectively. Dark urine can also be a sign of liver damage, as it may indicate that the body is not able to process waste properly.
Itching:
In some cases, itching may be the only symptom of liver disease. While in others they may accompany other symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice and weight loss. Itching usually occurs when liver cells are damaged. This leads to the accumulation of bile salts in the bloodstream. Bile salts are normally excreted through the stool. But when the liver is damaged, they can accumulate in the blood and cause itching. In some cases, itching can also be caused by cancer or cirrhosis.