early signs of liver damage

8 Common Signs of Liver Damage

1. Abdominal Swelling. A swollen abdomen can point to a condition called ascites, where liver malfunction leads to an imbalance of proteins and other compounds, and fluid builds up in ...
2. Bruising. A damaged liver produces fewer of the proteins necessary for blood clotting, which means you may bleed and bruise more easily.
3. Fatigue and Weakness. ...

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Full Answer

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 the early symptoms of liver damage?

If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, the may include:

• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine color
• Pale stool color
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tendency to bruise easily

How quickly does the liver can repair itself?

• Tiredness and fatigue: This is one of the most common symptoms of a damaged liver.
• Pale stools: Stools would appear dark in color because of the bile salts that are released by the liver. ...
• Nausea: Since the liver would have a hard time doing its job in filtering toxins out of the body, toxins would form a buildup in most parts of the bloodstream, ...

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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.

How do I know if I have early liver damage?

The early stages of alcohol-related liver disease typically have no symptoms. When they're present, the early symptoms can include pain in the area of your liver, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. The early stages of alcohol-related liver disease can potentially be reversed by abstaining from alcohol.

What are 4 warning signs of damaged liver?

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 do you feel when your liver is damaged?

Acute liver failure causes fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, discomfort on your right side, just below your ribs, and diarrhea. Acute liver failure is a serious condition. It requires medical care right away. If treatments are not effective, you may be a candidate for a liver transplant.

How do I know 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 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)

Can the liver heal itself from damage?

The liver has a unique capacity among organs to regenerate itself after damage. A liver can regrow to a normal size even after up to 90% of it has been removed. But the liver isn't invincible. Many diseases and exposures can harm it beyond the point of repair.

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.

How can I detox my liver in 3 days?

The 3-day detox juice cleanse involves consuming only blended juices and water for 3 days....In general, the following steps are taken in a specific order:Morning detox tea.Breakfast drink.Supplements.Lunch drink.Supplements (multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics)Snack drink.Dinner drink.Detox ultra-bath.

Where do you feel liver pain?

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 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 symptoms of liver damage?

Loss of appetite. 5. Fluid Retention. One common symptom of early liver damage that is not to be ignored is fluid retention and swelling of the abdomen and ankles.

What happens if your liver fails to function properly?

If your liver fails to perform properly, you may start to suffer from critical health complications that may even lead to death. Recognizing the early signs of liver damage is ...

Why does my liver get tired?

This is because your liver has to work double time to function properly due to its damage and is causing your body to become tired. Altogether, understanding your body’s normal ques will help dramatically when it comes to distinguishing between normal sleepiness and problematic fatigue. 4. Digestive Problems.

What is the brain disorder that affects the liver?

6. Hepatic Encephalopathy. Again, though often affecting those with a more advanced liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy is not something to ignore. This brain disorder occurs when the toxins in your liver that supposed to be filtering and excreting as waste are not doing so properly over a long period.

How many different types of liver disease are there?

Although oftentimes stereotypically linked directly to a poor diet or excessive alcohol consumption, the truth is there are over 100 different types of known liver disease that can damage the liver of those as young as infancy all the way through old age.

What does it mean when your skin turns yellow?

If you notice that your skin has begun to take on a yellowish hue, also known as jaundice , you might want to head to your liver doctor, and be checked out.

Where is the liver located in the body?

Since your liver sits just below your rib cage, and it is the largest internal organ in your body, when it aches you are likely to notice it.

How do you know if you have liver damage?

Here are symptoms of liver damage that should be taken seriously: 1. Skin and Nail Changes. One visible symptom of liver damage changes in the color of your skin. If your skin starts becoming paler or yellowish and your nail tips turn yellow your liver is not performing well and requires help.

Why is the liver important?

Its primary function is to breakdown nutrients from the food we eat and help with digestion. It performs several other functions which makes it important to pay attention to the health of your liver. Here are symptoms of liver damage that should be taken seriously: 1.

Where is the liver located?

The liver is located near the rib cage when liver health starts deteriorating it causes pain in the lower abdomen and ribs. Ascites can develop if the problem goes untreated.

Can indigestion cause vomiting?

If digestive problems or nausea does not improve with dietary changes its a sign of liver damage. In severe cases, it may also lead to vomiting.

What are the symptoms of a liver infection?

And in the cases that mild symptoms present themselves, the most common ones “are very nonspecific and they include fatigue or excessive tiredness, lack of drive, occasionally itching. ”. Once a person progresses beyond those early symptoms, the damage to the liver and the side effects become more serious.

Why does my liver bleed so easily?

People with liver damage will bruise or bleed more easily because their liver has slowed or stopped production of proteins that are necessary for blood clotting, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says. The liver actually produces several clotting factors, all of which begin to disappear in people with damage to that organ.

Why does my liver swell?

When the liver isn’t able to do its job, people may start to retain water in their abdomens and legs, causing swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. The liver cleans toxins out of the blood and fights infection. Credit: Mayo Clinic.

What does the liver do when it is working?

When a liver is working well, it cleans the blood, helps digest food and fights infection. It is also a bit of a bodily superhero — much like Wolverine and Deadpool, it has the power to regenerate when it has been damaged, replacing old tissue with new cells.

Is a liver transplant the only option?

There is a risk of coma and death.”. At that point, a liver transplant may be the only option, so it’s important to try to identify the signs of liver damage early. Loading... Join the Discussion. Advertisement.

Can a liver heal itself?

Livers can heal themselves if they haven't sustained too much damage. Image courtesy of Pixabay, public domain

Can liver failure cause nausea?

The American Liver Foundation explains people may have the blood vessels leading to their livers burst, toxins could build up in their brains and interfere with mental function, and they could experience nausea and diarrhea. “As liver failure progresses, the symptoms become more serious,” the foundation says.

Where does the liver hurt?

Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain may appear in the early stages of liver disease. In particular, you may feel abdominal pain in the upper right side of your midsection. This is where the liver is located, making it the primary liver pain area.

How do doctors evaluate liver health?

So, how exactly will your physician evaluate your liver health? First, he or she will listen to your symptoms. Your doctor will also identify if you are at risk of developing a liver disease based on your family history, diet, drinking habits, and metabolic health. Your physician may be able to tell if the liver is enlarged or inflamed based on a physical examination.

What are the causes of fatty liver disease?

Eating lots of added sugars, refined grains, and saturated fat is a recipe for metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver disease. High consumption of added sugars and refined grains causes blood sugar levels to increase dramatically. The pancreas must then release the hormone insulin to communicate to the body’s cells to utilize the glucose present in the bloodstream for energy. However, chronic consumption of excess sugar can cause insulin to malfunction, leading to metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

What is hepatic encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy: Hepatic encephalopathy is a symptom of advanced liver disease that affects mental functioning. When the liver cannot detoxify harmful compounds in the body sufficiently, these compounds build up in the bloodstream and travel to all organs. In the case of hepatic encephalopathy, ammonia is the primary culprit that interferes with normal brain function. Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include confusion, anxiety, and seizures.

Why is it important to have a healthy liver?

A healthy liver is vital for overall health and wellness. Early signs of liver disease may not be present at all, or they are very generalized symptoms, such as fatigue and abdominal pain. Catching liver disease early is important for the best outcome possible. In some cases of liver disease, especially nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the condition can be reversed completely with diet and lifestyle changes. If you think you may be at risk for developing liver disease or you are noticing warning signs and symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

How to improve liver function?

Eating healthy foods and avoiding junk foods is important for improving your liver health. As discussed above, steer clear of refined grains, added sugars, and saturated fats, which cause metabolic dysfunction. Consume an abundance of foods that offer antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, complex carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and optimal ratios of essential amino acids.

What does it mean when your skin turns yellow?

Jaundice: Jaundice describes the yellowing of the skin with more progressed forms of liver disease due to accumulated bilirubin in the bloodstream. If you have jaundice , you will likely notice a yellow hue in your skin and whites of the eyes.

What is the cause of liver damage?

Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver damage. When liver damage has happened due to alcohol, it’s called alcohol-related liver disease.

How to improve liver health?

There are several steps you can take to help improve the health of your liver. Cutting down on your alcohol consumption is one of them.

What is the term for the liver damage caused by alcohol?

This is referred to as fibrosis. When extensive fibrosis has occurred, alcoholic cirrhosis develops.

How long does it take to get rid of fatty liver?

Alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed by abstaining from alcohol for at least several weeks. The exact amount of time can vary by individual. For some, abstinence may need to be permanent. If someone with this condition has alcohol use disorder, a healthcare provider will need to set up a treatment plan.

How to reverse alcoholic hepatitis?

If you develop alcoholic hepatitis, you may be able to reverse the damage by permanently abstaining from alcohol. Treatment also involves dietary changes and medications to reduce inflammation.

What is the job of the liver?

One of your liver’s jobs is to break down potentially toxic substances. This includes alcohol. When you drink, different enzymes in your liver work to break down alcohol so that it can be removed from your body.

What medications can cause liver problems?

Mind your medications. Some medications and supplements can stress your liver. Examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol), statins, and ephedra. Always take these as directed and avoid taking them with alcohol.

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.

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.

What are the most common types of liver infections?

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

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), ...

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 .

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.

Can liver damage cause liver failure?

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 does liver pain feel like?

So what does liver pain feel like? It manifests in different ways, but a common form is a dull throbbing. For some people, it occurs as a sharp, stabbing pain. Sometimes the pain migrates to other nearby areas, such as the right shoulder blade and the back.

What are the symptoms of a swollen liver?

Liver pain and chronic fatigue are the two most common symptoms.

How long does jaundice last in newborns?

Sometimes, jaundice in newborns is tied to breastfeeding. Depending on the cause, it may clear within two weeks or may last for several months. 4. Skin Conditions. When people develop liver disease and liver pain, the liver eventually reduces or stops the production of blood-clotting proteins.

What are the complications of liver disease?

One of the most challenging and potentially embarrassing complications of liver disease and liver pain is how they can affect the reproductive symptoms of men and women. In women, it can lead to early menopause, which robs women who delayed starting a family of the opportunity to do so.

Why does my liver hurt?

There are other potential reasons for liver pain and body waste abnormalities. These include sexually transmitted diseases, kidney disease, and overexertion. When liver disease is the cause, it is usually accompanied by the following symptoms: Insomnia.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Certain medication for diabetes and high blood pressure. Sitting or standing for long periods. High-salt intakes . Pregnancy or premenstrual symptoms for women. 3. Jaundice. The yellowing of the skin and the sclera is one of the most alarming symptoms. Jaundice and liver pain can result from a number of illnesses.

Why does my urine turn dark?

Do you check the color of your stool or urine? The older you become, the more important this is. Liver disease can cause urine to darken significantly. Ironically, it also causes the lightening of stools. It is possible for one to occur without the other, so noticing just one for a prolonged period is a good enough reason to contact a doctor.