Liver Problems and Symptoms

The largest internal organ of the human body is the liver. Liver is not only the largest, but the most efficient of all organs. It can withstand years of damage by repairing itself. By the time the liver can take no more of the abuse (especially in case of alcoholics), it gives out certain liver problems signs and symptoms. It is very important to recognize these liver problems and symptoms as early as possible. If not treated soon enough, it may lead to many medical complications. In the following paragraphs, we shall discuss some of the liver problems and symptoms.

Functions of the Liver
There are many important functions of the liver that help in optimum working of the body. These important liver functions are as follows:

• Metabolism of the nutrients that are absorbed by the intestine
• Protein production
• Nutrient storage
• Detoxification of the blood by removal of harmful medications, alcohol and potent chemicals

The liver comes in contact with various harmful and toxic substances from the body. These toxic substances invariably damage the liver some time or the other. But, the liver continues to function as it has the ability to repair itself. Also, liver has many cell units that can perform the same tasks. So if one area is damaged, it is shut down for repairs and the other units continue to function normally. This is the reason, it takes a long, long time to detect any major liver problems symptoms. When the liver has been damaged extensively, does one observe the liver problems and symptoms.

Common Liver Problems
There are different types of liver disorders that one can suffer from. Some of the liver problems are enlisted below:

• Hepatitis
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases
• Haemochromatosis
• Liver cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Wilson's disease
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Budd-Chiari syndrome
• Glycogen storage disease type II
• Gilbert's syndrome

Liver Problems Symptoms
The liver problems and symptoms are quite a few and are often categorized into three groups. The liver problems symptoms fall into the following categories:

• Liver cell disease
• Production or secretion of bile problems
• Detoxification problems

One can try to understand the signals their body gives out related to liver damage to take immediate medical treatment. Liver problems can either be hereditary or occur due to response to various chemicals or viruses. Many signs and symptoms of liver problems are temporary that get resolved with a bit of medical help. However, some liver problems signs and symptoms are very serious that lead to various complications. Let us look at some of the liver problems and symptoms in the following paragraph.

Jaundice
Jaundice is the tell-tale sign of liver problem in most cases. If a patient suffers from persistent jaundice, it means there is a problem with the liver or gallbladder. When the liver fails to process the venous blood by producing bile in required quantities, it may lead to jaundice. Also, jaundice may be sign of hepatitis and you need to seek medical help immediately. Jaundice causes the skin to turn pale yellow or orange in tone and the eye whites and nails too become yellow in color.

Light Stool Color
One of the important liver problems signs and symptoms includes light and pale colored stools. This is because due to obstruction of bile pigment secretion or bile duct blockage the stools turn light in color. When the stool color becomes light, it indicates there is low bile production or the bile duct is obstructed in some way. This may be due to scarring, inflammation of membrane or stones in the duct.

Distention
Hepatomegaly or ascites may lead to abdominal distention on the right side under the ribs. This may cause breathing problems, bloating and pain, if the distention becomes very severe.

Excessive Thirst and Urination
One of the liver problems symptoms is polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination).

Generalized Liver Problems Signs and Symptoms
The above mentioned liver problems symptoms were related to some or the other liver disorder or disease. The following list contains some of the generalized liver problems and symptoms that indicate liver disorder:

• Headaches
• Continuously itchy skin
• Dark urine
• Bloody or tar colored stool
• Nausea
• Digestion problems
• Loss of appetite
• Coated tongue
• Bad breath
• Excessive sweating
• Bad body odor
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Red, swollen eyes
• Brown spots or blemishes on skin
• Excessive facial blood vessels
• Spider-like blood vessels seen under the skin
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Chills
• Enlarged gallbladder
• Blood sugar problems
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Intolerance to alcohol
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Poor concentration
• Sugar cravings
• Hypoglycemia
• High blood pressure due to clogged arteries
• Pot belly

These are just some of the liver problems signs and symptoms that one may observe. It is not necessary that one experiences all of these liver problems symptoms. If you experience few of these symptoms, speak to your doctor. The signs and symptoms of alcoholic liver disease is seen in 3% of the women as compared to 10% alcoholic men in United States.

The doctor may advice you to undergo pathological tests that help measure liver enzymes, total proteins, albumin and bilirubin. A blocked bile duct is detected using an ultrasound. You should consult a doctor, if you are in doubt regarding any of the above liver problems signs and symptoms. I hope the above paragraphs have helped you understand the liver problems and symptoms that ring a warning bell.