10 Warning Signs of Liver Damage That You Should Never Ignore
The Liver is one of the most important solid organs in the human body. The size of this organ is almost equal to that of a football, and its average weight is almost 1.6kgs. Like other organs, the liver is also susceptible to various diseases and setbacks. In the case of complete liver failure, a person can easily die because this organ is required for various life-supporting functions so you should not ignore the warning signs of liver damage.
Common Causes Of Liver Damage
While there can be many reasons behind liver damage, some of the common ones are listed below.
1. Excessive Alcohol Intake
Regularly drinking alcohol in excessive amounts is one of the most common reasons behind the damaged liver. The toxic substances in alcohol have deteriorating properties. This is the reason why doctors keep saying that alcoholic drinks are injurious to health.
2. Smoking Heavily
The tobacco present in cigarettes contains a high amount of toxic substances. When you smoke heavily, it can cause inflammation in your liver and eventually, damage it.
3. Hepatitis
Various kinds of Hepatitis such as A, B, and E, can lead to a long-term infection in your liver. This can further lead to the development of a serious problem like Cirrhosis, a last-stage liver disorder.
4. Overusing Drugs
Many prescription drugs are known to cause serious damage to the liver, as a side-effect.
5. Hereditary Factors
Sometimes, the reason for a liver disorder or damage is genetics i.e. problem being passed down to generations.
6. Cholesterol & Blood Pressure
Irregularities in the cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels can also result in liver disorders or damage.
7. Malnutrition
Malnutrition refers to the condition in which a person doesn’t eat enough or eats too much amount of required nutrients. This can lead to various health issues, including liver problems.
8. Cancer
All the toxins and bad elements are removed from the body by the liver. This is why the liver is prone to cancerous cells, more than any other organ. This can often result in liver cancer or liver damage.
9. Immunity Disorders
Various diseases like Autoimmune Hepatitis can easily cause serious liver disorders, such as Cirrhosis. Thus, your liver can be at risk because of your flawed immunity system.
Common Symptoms Of Liver Damage
Here are the most common symptoms of liver disorders and damage.
1. Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition in which the eyes and skin of a person turn yellowish. The presence of Bilirubin in the blood in excessive amounts is the reason behind this condition. Bilirubin is a by-product of the RBCs breakdown process. Jaundice can often be a symptom of an underlying disease, like liver disorder.
2. Swelling & Pain In Abdomen Area
If you’re noticing swelling and pain in your abdomen area without any reason, it might be a sign of an underlying liver problem. The swelling is often caused due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen because of a liver disorder, like Cirrhosis.
3. Swollen Legs & Ankles
A person experiencing swelling in the legs and ankles without any possible reason might be suffering from a liver disorder. The swelling in ankles and legs is mostly caused due to accumulation of excess fluids. This condition is also known as Edema, caused due to improper liver functioning.
4. Severe Itchiness In The Skin
Itchiness in the skin is one of the initial symptoms of the development of a liver disorder. The itchiness might become worse with time due to the worsening of the underlying problem. Itchy skin is a sign of many health issues that affect the functioning of your liver. These disorders include Cirrhosis, Cancer, Hepatitis, etc.
5. Poor Appetite
As the liver is responsible for digestion, the development of a liver disorder can often result in poor appetite. This might be a sign of Cirrhosis or Liver Cancer. As you lose your appetite, it is certain for you to lose weight as well.
6. Dark Urine Color
Unusual darkness in the urine color is one of the symptoms of Jaundice, which is further a sign of underlying liver disease. The reason behind the dark color of the urine is the presence of bilirubin, a substance created by RBCs during their breakdown.
7. Extreme Weakness
Do you feel extremely weak and tired for the whole day without doing any physical activities? If yes, then it might be a sign of liver disorder or damage. The reason behind this is the mal-absorption of the nutrients and non-removal of toxins due to improper liver functioning.
8. Pale, Blackish or Clay Colored Stool
The discoloration of the stool into pale, blackish or clay color can be a clear sign of liver disease. This usually happens due to the improper functioning of the liver or bile ducts. There can be many reasons behind this problem, such as Alcohol Abuse, Hepatitis, (A, B, or C), Liver Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, etc.
9. Nausea
Nausea is one of the initial and most common symptoms of liver disease. Nausea is primarily caused due to the mal-absorption of nutrients and non-elimination of the harmful toxins from the body. As the liver is responsible for nutrient absorption and toxins removal, damage to the liver can block these processes.
10. Sensitivity To Cuts & Bruises
Our liver is responsible for blood clotting in case of cuts and injuries. Thus, a damaged or diseased liver can’t perform its functions properly. So a person suffering from liver disorders tends to easily get bruised and bleeds out more than normal.
That’s all folks!
So, these were the top 10 symptoms that might point towards liver disorder or liver damage. If you’re experiencing any such signs, you must never ignore warning signs of liver damage as liver failure can be a life-threatening condition. Various tests such as CT scan, MRI, Biopsy, and Ultrasound, etc might be required for the diagnosis of liver disease.
Also, you need to take care of your diet, and avoid overdrinking & heavy smoking to keep your liver healthy. Regular exercise & yoga can also help in keeping your liver healthy and also, treat various liver disorders.
