Early Signs of Liver Problems

Liver problems may be caused by poisoning, viral infections, medications, diseases of other internal organs or genetic conditions. Many people with liver problems do not have any symptoms until the disease has progressed into advanced cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver failure. People with symptoms of liver disease should seek prompt medical treatment to prevent further complications.

Fatigue

• Fatigue is an early sign of damage to the liver from causes such as viral hepatitis, hemochromatosis or liver cancer.

Itchy Skin

• Itchy skin all over the body is an early sign of liver problems that may be due to primary bilary cirrhosis, which is inflammation of the bile duct of the liver.

Fever

• Early liver damage, especially when caused by viral infections such as hepatitis A, B or C may cause a persistent low-grade fever.

Jaundice

• Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which is an early sign of damage to the liver.

Nausea

• Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are early signs of liver damage that may be caused by poisoning or infections of the liver.

Liver Enzymes

• Elevated liver enzymes, also called liver function blood tests, are early signs of liver damage that may be detected before the appearance of physical symptoms.

Dark Urine

• Dark urine and light stool are early signs of liver damage that may be caused by hepatitis, which is acute or chronic liver inflammation.