14 signs liver damage

What are the first signs of a bad liver?

There are several signs of a bad liver caused by scarring:

• Persistent lethargy
• Pain in the back, sides, thighs, and abdomen
• High blood pressure
• Rashes or itchiness in the abdomen
• Poor or high fluid retention
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Stomach cramps
• Sores or ulcers
• Dehydration

What are signs that your liver is in trouble?

What are the 4 signs of a dying liver?

• Fluid retention. This is the most common sign of liver disease, appearing in 50 percent of people who have cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. ...
• Jaundice. ...
• Bleeding. ...
• Confusion.

What are the early signs of liver problems?

Over the course of the disease’s progression, early stages of deterioration are referred ... necessitating different diagnostic procedures. As the liver becomes inflamed, you can see the first signs of steatosis whereby fat builds up in the liver cells ...

What are the symptoms of a damaged liver?

Common symptoms of alcohol-related liver disease include:

• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Fatigue
• Small, reddish spider-like blood vessels
• Abdominal discomfort or swelling
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Agitation or mood swings

What are signs that your liver is struggling?

Some signs your liver may be struggling are:Fatigue and tiredness. ... Nausea (feeling sick). ... Pale stools. ... Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice). ... Spider naevi (small spider-shaped arteries that appear in clusters on the skin). ... Bruising easily. ... Reddened palms (palmar erythema). ... Dark urine.More items...•

How do I know if my liver is OK?

A liver function test will measure the levels of a range of things in your blood, like proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin. Measuring these things can help check your liver function and also check for signs of inflammation or damage. You can check your liver health at home by using a liver function blood test.

What does a damaged liver feels like?

Pain in your liver itself can feel like a dull throbbing pain or a stabbing sensation in your right upper abdomen just under your ribs. General abdominal pain and discomfort can also be related to swelling from fluid retention and enlargement of your spleen and liver caused by cirrhosis.

What are the 4 warning signs of liver damage?

Tip-offs to Liver DamageJaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin.Pain and distention of the abdomen due to the release of fluid from the liver.Swelling of lower legs due to fluid retention.Confusion or forgetfulness. ... Dark-colored urine.Pale-colored stool.Chronic fatigue.Nausea or vomiting.

How can I check my liver at home?

Home tests require a blood sample, often from a finger prick. Some of these screenings may look at different markers to screen for liver and other organ health. For example, some companies offer a lipid or cholesterol test that can monitor both liver and heart health.

What are the 3 signs of a fatty liver?

SymptomsAbdominal swelling (ascites)Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.Enlarged spleen.Red palms.Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

What part of the body itches with liver problems?

Symptoms of itching with liver disease Itching associated with liver disease tends to be worse in the late evening and during the night. Some people may itch in one area, such as a limb, the soles of their feet, or the palms of their hands, while others experience an all-over itch.

What are the five signs of liver damage?

Five Liver Damage Warning SignsFluid Retention. When there is a buildup of scar tissue in the liver known as cirrhosis, the blood flow through the liver is blocked. ... Jaundice. ... Nausea/Loss of Appetite. ... Pale Stools. ... Bruising. ... Caring for Your Liver.

What are the problems that can occur in the liver?

Liver problems that can occur include fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The liver and its cells — as seen through a microscope — change dramatically when a normal liver becomes fatty or cirrhotic.

What causes liver problems?

Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment may give the liver time to heal.

What are the most common types of liver infections?

The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including: Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B.

How to prevent liver disease?

To prevent liver disease: Drink alcohol in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than eight drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a week for men. Avoid risky behavior.

Why is the liver important?

The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances. Liver disease can be inherited (genetic). Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), ...

Where is the liver located?

About the size of a football, it's located mainly in the upper right portion of your abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above your stomach.

How to prevent hepatitis?

Avoid contact with other people's blood and body fluids. Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids. Keep your food safe. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing foods .

What is the most common sign of liver damage?

Liver disease might be to blame. One of the most incredibly common signs of liver damage is chronic fatigue, which according to a study published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, could occur due to changes in neurotransmission within the brain.

How do you know if you have liver damage?

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most common signs of liver damage is a loss of appetite, making your non-existent hunger pangs something to be weary of. And for more ways your body is trying to tell you something's wrong, check out 23 Unexpected Signs Your Heart Is Unhealthy. 2. Your sleep patterns are inconsistent.

What is the name of the disease that destroys the bile ducts in the liver?

Shutterstock/Nitchakul Sangpetcharakun. Primary biliary cholangitis —which the Mayo Clinic says is a chronic disease that destroys the bile ducts in your liver—doesn't typically have super-noticeable symptoms, but one early sign is experiencing itchy skin.

What does it mean when your liver is cirrhosis?

It could be a sign you have liver cirrhosis, a disease that develops slowly and replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, blocking blood flow through the liver and inhibiting the organ from working properly. For more weight loss inspiration, check out The 50 Best 5-Minute Exercises Anyone Can Do. 8.

What happens when you have liver failure?

When you're experiencing liver failure, your organ can't properly remove toxins from the blood, and that can result in them building up in the brain —aka hepatic encephalopathy. Unfortunately, one of the results of that is memory loss.

What is the function of the liver?

As one of the body's largest organs, it's responsible for metabolic functions like converting nutrients from your diet so your body can use them and making sure toxic substances are flushed out before they cause any harm, according to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. But when your liver is in trouble ...

Can you lose weight with liver cirrhosis?

While suddenly gaining weight can be one of the signs of liver damage, losing weight can be a symptom, too. Seeing the number drop on the scale isn't just a sign of liver cirrhosis—accord ing to the Mayo Clinic, it's also a red flag for hepatitis C, a viral infection that leads to the inflammation of the liver.

What are the symptoms of liver problems?

These 10 not-so-common signs of liver issues are not early signs of liver damage. They typically develop once liver disease has progressed: Itchy Skin – This may be caused by a chemical in bile that accumulates in the bloodstream when the liver is damaged.

What happens if your liver is damaged?

A damaged liver may fail to regulate the production and breakdown of hormones. Shrunken Testicles or Erectile Dysfunction – A damaged liver may fail to regulate the production and breakdown of hormones. Dark Circles Under the Eyes and/or Blemishes on the Skin.

What causes liver disease?

Liver disease can be genetic or be caused by a variety of other factors that damages the liver, such as: 1 A virus like Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C 2 Alcohol use 3 Fatty liver 4 Toxin exposure 5 Blockage of the liver’s bile ducts

How many people have liver disease?

Experts believe that an estimated 10 to 30 percent of Americans have one of over 100 types of liver disease. A majority of these individuals have yet to realize their liver is in danger, because they may not be knowledgeable about the signs of liver problems. After incurring damage to its cells, the liver has a remarkable ability ...

Why does my right side of my abdomen hurt?

Liver Area Pain (upper right hand side of the abdomen) – likely caused by inflammation in the liver. Fluid Retention and Swelling of the Abdomen and/or Leg and Ankle Swelling – This is due to ascites, which occurs as a result of poor kidney function in cirrhosis (advanced liver disease).

Can the liver regenerate?

After incurring damage to its cells, the liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate new cells. This recovery only happens when normal cell injuries occur. Pathology in the liver typically causes the rate of liver cell damage to outpace the rate of liver cell regeneration. Over time, unrepaired liver cell damage can lead to irreversible scarring ...

Can liver disease be fatal?

Unfortunately, liver disease that is not diagnosed and addressed can have serious – or even fatal consequences. There are rarely early symptoms of liver disease. It doesn’t exhibit obvious symptoms until the illness has progressed to a serious stage. Thus, being alerted to these 16 signs of liver damage can prompt a physician screening ...

How do you know if you have liver disease?

These include: yellow skin and eyes ( jaundice) dark urine. pale, bloody, or black (tarlike) stool. swollen ankles, legs, or abdomen. nausea.

Why is it important to know if your liver isn't functioning properly?

When your liver isn’t functioning properly due to liver disease , it can have potentially serious health effects. This is partly why it’s important to know how to recognize symptoms of a potential liver issue. Plus, most liver diseases are easier to manage with early detection.

What causes pain in the right side of the abdomen?

However, some people experience pain in the right side of their abdomen. As it progresses, it can also cause: fever. nausea and vomiting. jaundice. Many people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease also have few or no symptoms in its earlier stages. But over time it may cause: general weakness and fatigue.

What causes copper to be released from the liver?

Wilson’s disease, a condition that causes your liver to store copper instead of releasing it so it can leave your body. alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a condition where your body can’t make enough alpha-1 antitrypsin, which is mostly produced in your liver. Symptoms vary depending on the condition but may include:

What happens when you have too much fat in your liver?

Fatty liver disease happens when there’s excess fat in the liver. A liver with too much fat will swell and become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to cirrhosis (scarring), which can permanently damage the liver. There are two types of fatty liver disease:

What is the disease that causes inflammation in the liver?

Autoimmune symptoms. An autoimmune disease is a condition that involves your immune system attacking healthy tissue in your body. Those that cause your immune system to attack your liver can cause inflammation and scarring. Autoimmune liver conditions include:

What are the causes of liver problems?

Genetics can play a part in the development of some liver conditions. Common genetic conditions that can lead to liver problems include: hereditary hemochromatosis, a condition that causes your body to store excess iron in your organs.

What are the symptoms of liver damage?

9. Fluid Retention. One of the early signs and symptoms of liver damage is fluid retention, especially in the ankles and feet. This is similar to ascites except the fluid is building up in the outer tissues in the lower extremities. There are many other causes of fluid retention, including kidney problems, hormonal imbalances, ...

How to tell if liver is damaged?

Fatigue and Overall Weakness. One of the early and obvious signsof liver damage is constantly feeling tired and weak. When the liver is not in great condition, the body must work harder and you will need more rest.

Why is the liver important for digestion?

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.

What is the color of the skin, tongue, fingertips, and eyes?

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.

What are the early signs of liver disease?

Here are some common early signs. 1. Upset Stomach.

What happens if you don't produce bile?

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. 5. Alterations in the Color of Urine. If you think you are drinking enough ...

What happens if you don't eat enough liver?

If the symptoms persist, especially with other early signs of liver damage, seek medical advice as soon as you can. 3. Lack of Appetite. This happens due to a lack of production of bile that helps digest fat in the diet. When food isn't properly digested, it can lead to a lack of appetite and a severe loss of weight.