Liver disease symptoms: 10 ways your liver tells you something is wrong

You've got a wonderful organ called the liver, working its magic behind the scenes performing the most critical functions like detoxification, metabolism, and storing nutrients. Liver disease is any condition affecting the liver's structure and function. It can range from mild inflammation to severe scarring and damage, such as cirrhosis and liver failure. In this blog, let's explore what's happening inside your liver, what liver disease is all about, and why you should pay attention to it.

Get to know the general liver troublemakers.

There are several liver diseases, but the most common are hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. All of these can turn the state of your liver upside down.

Cirrhosis: When your liver has to fight back

Your liver can only handle so much before it starts fighting back. Cirrhosis is like your liver's battle scars- a result of long-term scars due to alcohol, hepatitis, or other factors. Cirrhosis can disrupt liver function and increase the risk of liver failure and cancer.

Fatty liver disease: Too much fat and not enough love

Too much fat in your liver causes fatty liver disease leading to trouble. It includes Alcoholic fatty liver disease and Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases like obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Show your liver some love by avoiding the above conditions.

What does your body say? Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease

Your liver has a secret language, and it's trying to tell you something most of the time, which we rarely listen to. Pay attention to these signals- it could be your liver calling for help.

Jaundice: Hello, Yellow!

When your skin and eyes turn yellow, your liver's alerted that something is incorrect. This happens when bilirubin builds up in the body. Consider this an early sign and take the required steps to prevent it.

Are you with least to no energy every time?

Feeling tired all the time? Frequently dropped energy levels say something about your liver, which can even impact your everyday activities.

Belly ache causing liver pain:

Is there a mysterious ache in your belly which is either dull or a sharp stabbing sensation in your upper right abdomen? This ache or discomfort can be a sign of liver disease in the long run.

Upset Stomach and Liver Disease:

Liver diseases can cause continuous nausea and vomiting, accompanied by a feeling of fullness and bloating. What would you do next?

Dark Urine, playing tricks on you:

Has your Urine taken on a mysterious dark color? Don't brush it off - It could be your liver's message. This liver dysfunction due to bilirubin in the Urine causes the brownish or tea-colored.

Do your ankles feel puffy?

Liver diseases can lead to fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen. This is called edema.

Feeling itchy?

Whether you're in your pregnancy phase or not, continuous itching could be a liver disease symptom. It affects the entire body or just a part of it.

Shedding weight unintentionally:

Are you losing weight without even trying? It's not as great as it sounds because your liver may be behind that unexpected drop in the scale.

Foggy brain

If you feel like your brain is on a different wavelength, you know what to do next. This mental confusion and difficulty concentrating are caused by the liver's inability to filter toxins from the blood.

So, who's at risk of liver disease?

Several risk factors can increase liver disease development. Understanding these risk factors is an essential factor for prevention and early detection. You can keep an eye out for the following risk factors:

Alcohol: The not-so-friendly one

Raise a glass, but not too many, or the best is to avoid it altogether. Alcohol is the liver's worst enemy. Understand how too much alcohol can harm your liver and slowly stop it.

Your liver vs. Extra pounds

Your liver doesn't enjoy carrying excess baggage around. Find how obesity can impact your liver health and increases the risk factor of NAFLD ( Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

The hepatitis threat

Viral invaders are a real threat to your liver. Infections caused by hepatitis A, B, or C can lead to chronic liver disease if left untreated.

Be watchful of the Meds and toxins.

Not all medications and toxins play well with your liver. Stay vigilant and keep your liver safe from harm. Certain medications, such as acetaminophen, and exposure to toxins like industrial chemicals can damage the liver.

Autoimmune Liver Conditions

Autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cirrhosis can cause chronic inflammation and liver damage.

Prevention and Treatment for a happy liver

Preventing liver diseases involves adopting healthier lifestyle choices and addressing the underlying causes. Let's explore some preventive measures and treatment options:

Healthy habits make a difference.

Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep adequately, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid harmful substances that can help protect your liver.

Shield your liver with vaccines.

Vaccines for Hepatitis A and B can prevent viral infections that can lead to liver disease

Treat liver diseases like a pro with Meds.

You may be given prescription drugs and treatments to treat your symptoms and halt the spread of the disease, depending on the kind and severity of your liver disease.

Liver transplant: Where your liver needs a helping hand

A liver transplant is required in cases of advanced liver disease to replace the diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. An experienced Transplant Hepatologist can help you recover from your liver disease and lead the life you always wanted.

Contact www.lcubelife.com to book an appointment with Dr. Joy Varghese, one of India's premier experts in transplantation Hepatology who has managed more than 1500 liver transplantations successfully.