Although often overlooked, the liver is one of the most essential organs in the body. Located on the right side just below the rib cage, it’s the second largest organ in the human body, and responsible for ridding the body of toxins, giving the body energy, and producing stomach bile. It’s one of the most important organs in the body, so it’s important to watch out for any potential issues that could cause long-term damage.
According to the American Liver Foundation, approximately 5.5 million Americans currently live with liver disease, and about 30,000 Americans die each year due to liver cancer. Thousands more live with liver issues, but may not even be aware of it.
Here are some important symptoms to watch out for that could indicate of an underlying problem with your liver:
Swollen Abdomen
One of the earliest signs of liver damage is a heavily swollen abdomen, otherwise known as ascites. This swelling occurs when too much fluid builds up in your abdomen, and usually is an indicator of cirrhosis, a liver disease. Ascites often appears like a small pregnancy bump, and should always be checked by a doctor.
Jaundice
One of the most noticeable symptoms of liver damage, jaundice is a condition that causes the skin, the whites of the eyes, and mucus membranes to turn yellow. This yellow color is caused by high levels of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment, in the bloodstream, as the liver cannot efficiently process red blood cells as they break down. Itchiness of the skin can also be due to the same reason.
Changes in Urine
A change in the color of your urine can be one of the first notable signs of liver failure. If your urine is turning very dark yellow or brown, it can be a sign that your liver is not eliminating waste effectively.
Changes in Bowel Movements
Any sudden constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or changes in the color or makeup of your stool can be a sign of liver damage.
Spider naevi
As the name suggests, spider naevi are small red pin-point clusters of blood vessels on the skin that radiate outwards in a spiderweb-like pattern. These commonly occur when there is a lot of estrogen in your system, as is the case with chronic liver disease. However, these are not always an indicator of an unhealthy liver, as these can occur in healthy adult women as well.
Nausea or Changes in Appetite
A sign of advanced liver disease, sudden hunger is a common symptom of liver issues. Additionally, nausea can be a sign of liver damage or failure, as the liver is unable to process and eliminate waste from the body.
Chronic Fatigue
Exhaustion, tiredness, and fatigue are the single most common symptoms of many illnesses, including liver disease. Studies have indicated that the main cause of liver related chronic fatigue might be rooted in changes of brain chemistry from impaired liver function.
