One of the vital organs in the body – the liver, plays an important role in many bodily functions and metabolic processes. It’s the largest solid organ in the body positioned in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and partly covered by the ribs. Compromised liver function can affect your overall health. That’s why it’s important to read the signs of liver damage the body sends and take prompt action in case of any.
The liver can be damaged as a result of over 100 different kinds of liver disease, such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and fatty liver, each of which manifests differently.
These most common symptoms of the damaged liver include:
1 – Jaundice
- Jaundice occurs as a result of the drastic increase in blood bilirubin levels. This turns the sclera (the white part of your eyes), fingertips, tongue, and skin yellow.
- Jaundice may be caused by malfunction of the gallbladder or pancreas, thus consult your doctor.
2 – Digestion problems
- An overwhelmed liver reduces bile secretion, which can lead to indigestion and diarrhea.
- Bile deficiency may also lead to intolerance of fatty foods and alcohol, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, abdominal bloating, and constipation.
3 – 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.
4 – Abdominal pain
- A damaged liver can often trigger abdominal pain.
5 – Upset stomach
- When the liver is unable to eliminate toxins, common health complications include vomiting and nausea, which occurs as a result of constant metabolism and digestion changes.
- The symptoms often resemble other conditions such as food poisoning, migraines, vertigo, depression, early pregnancy, and motion sickness.
- Kidney problems can also give symptoms of this type.
6 – Changes in urine color
- A damaged liver can change urine color due to increased bilirubin levels in the blood.
- The urine becomes orange, amber, and brown.
7 – Fluid retention
- One of the earliest signs 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.
8 – Abdominal changes
- A damaged liver can trigger cramping or pain in the lower part of the abdomen, even bloating.
- An early symptom of liver damage is ascites or fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
- Liver disease can lead to portal hypertension – high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the abdomen.
9 – Changes in stool color
- Bile deficiency can change stool color from typically brown to clay colored, pale yellow, or gray.
- If this is only temporary, it shouldn’t be a cause of worry. However, if it persists, it’s a red alert to see a doctor.
10 – Loss of appetite
- Loss of appetite occurs because of bile deficiency.
- If the food you consume is not properly digested, it can lead to loss of appetite and considerable weight loss.
11 – Fatigue and overall weakness
- When the liver is damaged, the body works harder to convey all the metabolic processes, which means it easily gets tired and needs more rest.
- The toxins that remain in the blood because they can’t be eliminated by the liver also contribute to this.
12 – Increased skin itching
- Compromised liver function affects skin health too.
- The skin becomes more sensitive; it itches and flakes more often and becomes hypersensitive to touch.
- Bruising and increased vein visibility is also possible.
- Keeping your skin moist can help, but only temporarily.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
