9 Early Signs your Liver may be Damaged. Liver Diseases - Symptoms and Causes
The liver
is one of the most important organs taking part in the digestive system. Liver
produces bile that emulsifies fats for enhanced digestion
of the same. Liver stores glucose and synthesises proteins that are utilised
for blood clotting and other body functions. Moreover, liver is responsible for
removing toxins from blood stream. It processes all medications you take.
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Liver
is well-known to be a forgiving organ that has the ability to regenerate its
cells. However, this process has its limitations since repeated damaged liver
causes inflammation, scaring and cirrhosis. As a result, liver shrinks and/or
hardens changing its physical structure and preventing its healthy
functions. Liver gets damaged from
drinking alcohol, getting exposed to toxins and eating fatty foods. Also, viral infections called Hepatitis
damages the liver.
Generally, signs to liver damage are so subtle that
they go undetected. Only when the liver
reaches its advanced damaged stage, the symptoms become more prominent and
apparent. Here are some of the damaged liver symptoms/signs you should be aware
of.
1.
Fatigue and Tiredness
The most common symptom is constant fatigue and
tiredness. Yet, there are not enough research studies and/or reports convincing
the reason of this symptom. Doctors do not know how or why damaged liver
causes exhaustion.
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2.
Feeling Sick (Nausea)
Damaged liver cannot completely filter out toxins
from the bloodstream. Hence, toxins build up in the circulating bloodstream
causing nausea.
3.
Dark Urine
Typically, healthy liver functions breakdowns
billirubin so your urine does not get any unusual colouring. However, when the liver
gets damaged, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream. As a result, the urine
changes its colour to amber, brown (cola-coloured) and dark orange. On noticing
coloured urine consult doctor to treat your liver ailment.
4.
Pale Stool
Bile naturally produced by the liver contains bile
salts causing dark colouring of stools. If your stools turn pale, then you
should realise that your liver
is not functioning properly. Also, it indicates there might be a problem in the
drainage system of bile. If the stools are black and tarry, then it could be
due to advanced liver damage. Black and tarry stools
typically occur due to blood that passes through your gastrointestinal tract.
On noticing any change in colouring and texture of stools, you should consult
your doctor immediately.
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5.
Swollen Abdomen (Ascites)
When fluid gets retained in the abdomen, it gets
swollen. This condition is termed as Ascites. Often, your legs and ankles also
get swollen because of fluid retention.
6.
Jaundice (Yellow skin or eyes)
Build-up of bilirubin, bile pigment, within the
blood causes Jaundice.
This happens when the bilirubin cannot be effectively processed. Jaundice makes
the eyes yellow coloured. Also, the skin becomes extremely scratchy.
7.
Spider naevi
You would notice clusters of small
spider-shaped arteries appearing on the skin. In
most cases, you would find a red dot from where numerous blood vessels
radiates. This Spider naevi sign resembles a spider with its many legs. This
symptom is commonly found even in healthy women. However, several Spider naevi
appearing in upper half of your body suggests poor liver function.
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8.
Bruising easily
On noticing that you often get bruises, you should
consider getting a liver check-up. Healthy liver has the natural ability to
produce proteins for blood
clotting. In your case, the liver
is probably not functioning as it should so seek help from doctor.
9.
Reddened palms (Palmar erythema)
About quarter of people suffering from liver
cirrhosis get reddened palms or palmar erythema. If you find this symptom on
you, then definitely consult your doctor.
