Warning Signs of Liver Problems

Your liver helps your body digest food and filter out toxic substances. If you notice any of the warning signs of liver disease, it is important to see your doctor immediately. Liver disease, left untreated, can lead to serious illness and even death. Below are some of the most common warning signs to watch out for.

Causes

• Liver disease can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. Your liver is the only organ that processes alcohol, so ingesting too much of it overloads the liver and causes injury. You can also have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, when there is too much fat accumulation in the liver. Individuals who are obese, have diabetes or high cholesterol levels, are at the greatest risk.

Skin and Joint Problems

• If your liver is not functioning properly, you may notice a yellowish coloring to the skin and eyes. You may also have chronic itchy skin. Your lower legs and feet can become swollen. You may notice red spider like veins, and you may bruise easily.

The Organs

• Watch for pain and swelling in the abdomen, dark urine and pale stools, and stools that are bloody. You may have an enlarged spleen, bleeding from the esophagus, brain damage, intestinal bleeding and a reduced ability to fight off infections.

Other General Symptoms

• Other symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite and chronic fatigue, loss of memory, confusion, muscle loss and weakness. In severe cases, liver problems can lead to a coma.

Cirrhosis

• Cirrhosis occurs when the cells of the liver are destroyed and the liver becomes scarred. It is diagnosed through a blood test. Alcoholism is the main cause of this disease, but it can also occur with the Hepatitis B and C viruses. Some of the above symptoms will alert you to this disease, so seek immediate medical attention if you notice them.