Located on the right side of the abdomen, the liver is a sizable, meaty organ. The liver is reddish-brown in hue and weighs roughly 3 pounds. It has a rubbery feel to it. The liver is usually shielded by the rib cage, so you cannot normally feel it. The right and left lobes are the names of the liver’s two significant portions. The gallbladder is located under the liver along with portions of the pancreas and intestines. To digest, absorb, and assimilate food, the liver and these organs collaborate. Before it is distributed to the rest of the body, the liver’s primary function is to filter the blood that comes from the digestive system. The liver also metabolizes medications and detoxifies chemicals. The liver releases bile while it works, which is afterward excreted. Before it is distributed to the rest of the body, the liver’s primary function is to filter blood arriving from the digestive system. The liver also breaks down medications and detoxifies chemicals. The liver secretes bile while it works, which then travels back to the intestines. Additionally, the liver produces proteins necessary for blood coagulation and other processes.
Liver disease may run in families (genetic). Viruses, alcohol use, and obesity are few examples of the many variables that can harm the liver and result in liver disorders. Damage to the liver is a silent killer. Many people are unaware of the causes of deadly diseases such as cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and liver disease, which claim thousands of lives every year. Numerous groups work to spread awareness of these sometimes fatal diseases and their symptoms, but for many people, the symptoms of liver impairment might not be immediately apparent. Cirrhosis, which can cause liver failure and be fatal, is a disorder that develops over time as a result of liver damage conditions. However, prompt therapy can give the liver time to heal.
Liver disease may run in families (genetic). Viruses, alcohol use, and obesity are just a few examples of the many variables that can harm the liver and result in liver disorders. Damage to the liver is a silent killer. Many people are unaware of the causes of deadly diseases such as cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and liver disease, which claim thousands of lives every year. Numerous groups work to spread awareness of these sometimes fatal diseases and their symptoms, but for many people, the symptoms of liver impairment might not be immediately apparent. Cirrhosis, which can cause liver failure and be fatal, is a disorder that develops over time as a result of liver damage conditions. However, prompt therapy can give the liver time to heal.
Signs of Liver Damage
The typical symptoms of liver disease might be quite difficult to spot. Liver damage signs and symptoms frequently involve a combination of one or more conditions. What are the typical symptoms of liver damage then?
1. An enlarged abdomen
One of the first indications of liver damage is a severely enlarged abdomen (ascites), which should always be checked out by a physician. In its later stages, it can resemble a pregnant bump nearly exactly. Cirrhosis can produce a buildup of fluid around the liver, which can induce ascites, which makes the belly enlarge as the fluid level rises.
2. Jaundice
One of the most well-known signs of liver issues is jaundice. Of all the symptoms of alcohol-induced liver impairment, this one is typically the most obvious. When the skin and the whites of the eyes develop a yellow-brown colour, this is when it occurs. Since the liver is damaged and unable to adequately remove this waste product, bilirubin (a bile pigment) builds up in the bloodstream and causes this colouring.
3. Right-side abdominal discomfort
Any boxer will attest to the discomfort that can result from a solid liver punch to the upper right side of the belly. If you don’t box, upper right side abdominal pain may be a warning sign of a liver problem. Most often, patients report the discomfort as a stabbing or throbbing aching. It has to be examined by a doctor even if it might not always indicate liver problems.
4. Changes in Urine
One of the initial signs of liver failure can be a change in the colour of your urine. It may indicate that your liver is having trouble properly removing waste if your urine is turning a very dark shade of yellow or brown.
5. Skin Issues
Do you have redness, odd skin thickness, discomfort, and itchy, flaky skin on your hands? This could be a sign of liver disease since the body’s fluid balance can be impacted by a damaged liver.
6. Modification of Bowel Movements
Have you ever had IBS symptoms, changes in the colour or composition of your faeces, or constipation? If so, liver injury may be indicated.
7. Nausea
It can be an indication of liver damage or liver failure if you have a few of the symptoms mentioned above together with episodes of vomiting and nausea. It results from the body’s diminished capacity to process and get rid of waste.
8. Alterations in Appetite
Lack of appetite is another symptom of liver impairment. When paired with other symptoms on this list, this is thought to be a marker of advanced liver disease.
9. Swollen Ankles
Ascites, which results in belly swelling, produces this side effect. Retained fluid around the ankles, feet, and legs is how it manifests. This occurs when the body is unable to synthesise and circulate proteins due to liver dysfunction. As a result of gravity pulling fluids downhill, the lower extremities experience circulation problems.
10. Chronic Fatigue
The most typical signs of liver impairment are exhaustion, tiredness, and fatigue, but because they can also be signs of so many other illnesses, they frequently go misdiagnosed. According to studies, alterations in brain chemistry brought on by reduced liver function may be the underlying cause of chronic weariness associated with the liver.
When to visit a doctor
If you are concerned about any persistent signs or symptoms, schedule a visit with your doctor. If your abdominal discomfort is so intense that you are unable to remain still, you should seek immediate medical assistance. Liver specialists in Agra are extremely well versed and well equipped to provide guidance.
Hepatologists are professionals who typically treat liver illness and liver failure. Whether liver failure is acute or persistent affects the course of treatment. Treatment for chronic liver failure involves dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as: avoiding alcohol and drugs that could damage the liver, consuming fewer items, such as red meat, cheese, and eggs, weight loss and management of metabolic risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
reducing the amount of salt in the diet (including not adding salt to food).
You are strongly advised to contact your doctors if you have any unease. Booking an appointment might get daunting with the hectic schedules of today. Make an online appointment with your doctor. Numerous platforms exist that make this process simple and practical. So make appointments in order to receive the greatest treatment and guidance.
