Signs of Liver Dysfunction

Liver dysfunction has several distinct signs, including changes in appearance, digestive function and energy level. These symptoms can range from subtle to obvious, and none are sufficient to fully diagnose liver disease. A medical professional can perform laboratory tests to determine if the liver is functioning properly.

Appearance

• Sufferers of liver malfunction may get jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Redness of the palms may also occur.

Fatigue

• Liver problems may cause severe fatigue or weakness, which may result in sleeping too much or loss of appetite.

Abdominal Problems

• Liver disease can cause abdominal pain ranging from mild to severe, usually due to swelling caused by a build-up of fluid.

Bruising

• A person with liver disease may bruise easily because liver dysfunction decreases the body's blood-clotting abilities.

Skin Problems

• In addition to jaundice the skin may show spider angiomas, or tiny lines. Skin may also be very itchy in liver disease sufferers.

Asymptomatic Liver Disease

• Some liver diseases show few or no symptoms. The Mayo Clinic warns, for example, that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, caused mainly by a diet heavy in saturated fat, often presents no physical warnings. Regular blood tests can indicate liver problems.