5 Typical Symptoms Of Liver Problems
SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | TREATMENTS |
|---|---|---|
Jaundice | Accumulation of bilirubin in blood tissue. | Maintain weight. Manage cholesterol. |
Abdominal pain and swelling | Fluid accumulation in ascites. | Drink more water. Regular exercise. Chew food slowly. |
Itchy skin | Leaking of bile into the bloodstream and skin | Take prescription oral medicines. |
Dark urine | Building up of bilirubin in blood | Drink plenty of water. Consume electrolyte fluids. |
Chronic fatigue | Reduced oxygen delivery to the tissue | Self care. Therapies. Medications. |
The liver is a vital organ that performs many essential functions in the body, such as filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid in digestion, and regulating blood sugar levels. When the liver is not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of symptoms that affect different parts of the body.
Here are five typical symptoms of liver problems and how they occur:
Jaundice
: Jaundice is a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the liver when it breaks down old red blood cells. When the liver is not functioning properly, it may not be able to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the blood and tissues, causing jaundice.Abdominal pain and swelling
: Liver problems can cause pain and swelling in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right quadrant where the liver is located. This can be due to inflammation or enlargement of the liver caused by infection, injury, or disease. The pain and swelling can also be caused by fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) due to portal hypertension, a condition where the blood pressure in the veins that carry blood from the digestive organs to the liver is abnormally high.
Itchy skin
: Liver problems can cause bile to build up in the skin, leading to itching. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats and eliminate waste products from the body. When the liver is not functioning properly, bile may not flow normally through the bile ducts into the small intestine, but instead leak into the bloodstream and skin, causing itching. This can be particularly noticeable on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Dark urine
: When the liver is not functioning properly, bilirubin can build up in the blood and be excreted in the urine, causing it to appear dark. Normally, bilirubin is converted into a soluble form by the liver and excreted in bile. However, when the liver is not functioning properly, bilirubin may not be converted or excreted properly, leading to its accumulation in the blood and urine, causing dark urine.
Chronic fatigue
Liver problems can cause a general feeling of tiredness and fatigue that does not improve with rest. This can be due to several factors, such as reduced oxygen delivery to the tissues due to anaemia (low red blood cell count) caused by impaired production or increased destruction of red blood cells by the liver; reduced energy production due to impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by the liver; or reduced elimination of toxins and waste products from the body due to impaired detoxification and filtration functions of the liver.
Causes of liver problems:
The causes of liver problems can be broadly categorised into:
Infection :
parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected. The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Hepatitis B, C, and D are usually transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as during sexual intercourse, sharing needles, or receiving blood transfusions.
Immune system abnormality:
diseases in which your immune system attacks certain parts of your body (autoimmune) can affect your liver. Examples of autoimmune liver diseases include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where the immune system attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage. Primary biliary cholangitis is a condition where the immune system attacks the bile ducts, causing bile to build up in the liver and damage the liver tissue. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a condition where the immune system causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver, leading to bile duct blockage and liver damage.
Genetics:
an abnormal gene inherited from one or both of your parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver, resulting in liver damage. Genetic liver diseases include hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food, causing iron overload in the liver and other organs. Wilson’s disease is a condition where the body cannot properly eliminate copper from food, causing copper accumulation in the liver and other organs. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a condition where the body lacks a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which protects the lungs and liver from damage by enzymes1.
Cancer and other growths:
tumours, such as liver cancer, bile duct cancer, and liver adenoma, can affect the liver function and cause complications. Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver cells or spreads to the liver from other parts of the body. Bile duct cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line the bile ducts. Liver adenoma is a type of benign (noncancerous) tumour that grows in the liver tissue.
Other factors:
chronic alcohol abuse, fat accumulation in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), certain medications, and certain herbal compounds can also damage the liver over time. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver tissue, leading to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Fat accumulation in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) can result from consuming too much fat or having conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. This can cause inflammation and damage to the liver cells, leading to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or cirrhosis. Certain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), or antibiotics, can cause liver injury if taken in high doses or for a long time.
Certain herbal compounds, such as vitamin A, ma-huang (ephedra), germander (teucrium), valerian (valeriana), mistletoe (viscum), skullcap (scutellaria), chaparral (larrea),
Treatments of Liver Problems:
- The treatment for liver problems depends on the underlying cause and extent of liver damage. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stopping alcohol use or losing weight, typically as part of a medical program that includes careful monitoring of liver function.
- Other liver problems may be treated with medications or may require surgery.
- Treatment for liver disease that causes or has led to liver failure may ultimately require a liver transplant.
- If you’ve been diagnosed with liver disease, your doctor may recommend that you drink alcohol sparingly, if at all, avoid red meat, trans fats, processed carbohydrates and foods with high-fructose corn syrup, exercise 30 to 60 minutes around three to four times a week at a moderate intensity, and cut calories by 500 to 1,000 calories daily if you’re overweight.
- It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks before you take any complementary or alternative medicines.
- In early cirrhosis, it may be possible to minimise damage to the liver by treating the underlying cause. The options include treatment for alcohol dependency, weight loss, medications to control hepatitis, medications to control other causes of cirrhosis (such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- If you have cirrhosis, be careful to limit additional liver damage by not drinking alcohol, eating a low-sodium diet, avoiding potentially hepatotoxic medications and chemicals, getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you haven’t already been exposed to these viruses, and using care when using aerosol sprays, insecticides, and other toxic chemicals.
In conclusion, liver problems can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and well-being. The liver plays a vital role in various metabolic processes, including detoxification, digestion, and nutrient storage. When the liver is compromised, it can lead to a wide range of health issues, from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.
Liver problems can result from various causes, including viral infections (such as hepatitis), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, autoimmune diseases, genetic factors, and exposure to toxins. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective management and treatment.
Fortunately, many liver problems can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding risky behaviours like sharing needles or unprotected sex. Medications and medical interventions are also available for specific liver conditions, and in some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for severe liver damage.
Regular medical check-ups, including liver function tests and screenings for risk factors, can help individuals identify and address liver problems at an early stage, improving their chances of successful treatment and a healthier life. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalised guidance and care when dealing with liver issues to ensure the best possible outcomes.
