Signs of Liver Problems

Liver, one of the vital body organs, is located in the thoracic region of the abdomen below the diaphragm. Liver regulates blood volumes and blood clotting; as it plays an important role in blood purification. 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 the health of the liver. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the early signs of liver problems.

Liver function tests are recommended when liver dysfunction signs are noticed. The onset of signs and symptoms of liver diseases, should be discussed with your physician in order to find out the underlying condition. If early signs of liver diseases are neglected, the condition might worsen and can lead to more complications or irreversible health conditions like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, which eventually might result in total liver failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Diseases

• 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.
• Irritable Bowels: Irregular bowel movements or light colored stools may suggest that there might be some problem in liver function.
• Drastic Changes: Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria), nose bleeding and easy bruises, slow clotting of blood indicates liver abnormalities.
• Affected Overall Health: Chest pain, frequent headaches, mild fever, dizziness, spasms, irritability, depression and so on indicate liver problem.
• Loss of Appetite: Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, resulting in weight loss or anemic condition, can be called early signs of liver problem. Sometimes, headache, confusion, fever and weakness can also be noticed.
• Abdominal Swelling: Abdominal pain, painful breathing, abdominal lump, distended abdomen or swelling under the right lower ribs indicate a problem in liver.

Liver disorder can be identified at an early stage with the above signs and symptoms. Alcohol abuse increases the vulnerability to liver diseases. A person who is suffering from liver cancer may experience itchy skin, itchy eyes, sleeplessness, irritability and ascites symptoms along with the symptoms mentioned above. Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is known as ascites. A person with liver cirrhosis is also likely to experience the above symptoms. Some patients may complain about the red itchy sores on the body. Sometimes blue or black colored spider-like blood vessels are present on the skin. Liver sclerosis symptoms are difficult to assess at an early stage.

Hepatic coma or hepatic encephalopathy is another serious liver problem. Affected liver function can result in accumulation of toxic substances in the blood which in turn can affect brain function. Gradual reduction of cognitive abilities is noticed in this situation and if left untreated, the condition can be fatal. Confusion, disorientation, muscle tremors, mood changes, 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. It is possible that the symptoms of liver disorder 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.