How to Diagnose Liver Problems

Liver disease is a serious problem that can lead to liver failure. If detected early, it can be treated. There are various tests that can show you have liver disease or related problems.

Instructions

How to Diagnose Liver Disease or Problems

• 1

  Learn your medical history. It is important to know both your medical history as well as your family's. Disease can run from one generation to the next or skip generations. It is important to know if you are at risk for liver disease.

• 2

  Go for a physical exam. There are certain pains, tenderness and skin conditions that signal liver problems. A doctor will be able to diagnose the symptoms.

• 3

  Take a urinalysis. Doctors may give a urinalysis to diagnose liver disease or problems. Urine will show any type of toxins in the body.

• 4

  Go for a blood test. If the blood show a high amount of enzymes, you may have liver disease or problems. Enzymes that leak into the blood often are there because they leak out of the liver when it is damaged.

• 5

  Ask for a liver panel. If blood and urine samples are inconclusive but you still feel ill, ask your doctor to take a liver panel. This will show baseline measurements of the liver and screen for common liver problems and diseases.