Signs of Liver Problems

Liver, one of the vital body organs, is located in the thoracic region of the abdomen below the diaphragm. It regulates blood volumes and blood clotting. It plays an important role in blood purification as well.

It is responsible for bile production and fat and sugar metabolism. Thus, it directly and indirectly aids in growth, immunization, nutrition and reproduction. Usually, liver problem signs go unnoticed or are difficult to assess.

They are likely to be misinterpreted as signs of some other diseases. Therefore, liver diseases are often described as 'silent killers'. If dysfunction of the liver is detected at the preliminary stage, proper treatment can help restore liver health. So, everyone should be aware of the early signs of liver problems.

Liver function tests are ordered when liver dysfunction signs are noticed. The onset of signs and symptoms of abnormal functioning of liver should be discussed with your physician, immediately. It helps find out the underlying condition. If these signs are neglected, the condition becomes worse.

This can lead to more serious complications or irreversible health conditions like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, which eventually might result in total liver failure.

• Nails: Curved and whitish nails indicate a possible liver problem.
• Jaundice: The skin and eyes turn yellow. Urine also acquires a dark yellow color. Jaundice is one of the main signs of liver problems. High blood bilirubin levels are noticed.

• Irritable Bowel: Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, dark yellow urine and light colored stools suggest that there might be some problem in liver.

• Drastic Changes: Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria), nose bleeding and easy bruises, slow clotting of blood (due to insufficient production of clotting factors) indicate liver abnormalities.
• Affected Overall Health: Chest pain, frequent headache, mild fever, dizziness, spasms, irritability, depression, etc., indicate liver problem.

• Loss of Appetite: Nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting resulting in weight loss and anemia are some of the early signs of liver dysfunction. Sometimes, a person with impaired liver function exhibits symptoms like headache, confusion, fever and weakness.

• Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Abdominal pain, painful breathing, abdominal lump, distended abdomen, swelling and pain under the right lower rib indicate a problem in liver.

Alcohol abuse increases the vulnerability to diseases like fatty liver disease and jaundice. The diseases are reversible with abstinence from alcohol. Those who cannot stop drinking alcohol have a high risk of developing cirrhosis (scarring of the tissue and development of liver nodules).

This affects liver function seriously and eventually leads to complete liver failure. Liver cirrhosis symptoms are difficult to assess at an early stage.

A person who is suffering from liver cancer may experience itchy skin (as bile salts accumulate under the skin), red itchy sores on the body, itchy eyes, insomnia, irritability, ascites symptoms and muscle wasting (due to decreased protein production) along with the aforementioned symptoms.

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is known as ascites. Sometimes blue or black spider-like blood vessels are present on the skin.

A person with liver cirrhosis is also likely to experience the above symptoms. Cirrhosis of the liver adversely affects the blood flow through liver which eventually results in swollen veins around the stomach. These veins can easily burst and bleed.

Imbalance in sex hormones due to liver dysfunction in men can lead to enlarged breasts, reduced size of the testicles, erectile dysfunction and low sex drive.

Hepatic coma or hepatic encephalopathy is another serious liver problem. Impaired liver function can result in accumulation of toxic substances in blood which in turn can affect the function of the brain. Gradual reduction of cognitive abilities is noticed in such situation and if left untreated, the condition can be fatal.

Confusion, disorientation due to high blood ammonia levels (ammonia is a waste product), muscle tremors, mood swings, insomnia are some of the early symptoms of liver encephalopathy which can be followed by abnormal neurological signs and loss of consciousness.

In short, you should consult your doctor if intermittent / recurrent abdominal or gastrointestinal upsets are noticed. Progressive depression or lethargy and fatigue should always be discussed with your doctor. Constant headache, back pain, skin problems, allergies, irritability, poor appetite should never be neglected.

Family members can notice the changes in the behavior of a person immediately. These changes, sometimes, indicate liver dysfunction. Liver diseases and disorders are often diagnosed when they reach the final or advanced stage. It is possible that the symptoms of liver disorders are misinterpreted or misdiagnosed.

You should discuss all your problems with your doctor during routine medical checkup. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms.