At almost the size of an average football, the liver sits just below the rib cage. The prime function of the liver is to help digest the food while also protecting the body against toxic waste. Liver provides the body with bile - an alkaline compound which is responsible for breaking down fat. The bile sits in a pouch called gallbladder. The liver is one of the largest as well as the heaviest gland in the human anatomy. Liver diseases can occur for a number of reasons, let's take a look at some of the common symptoms of liver problems.
Common Symptoms of Liver Problems
Before taking a look at the common symptoms of liver problems, let's understand the common sources of liver diseases. One can either inherit liver diseases or by external factors like viruses or alcoholic consumption. If liver problems are left untreated then it can lead to liver failure in the long run.1. Jaundice
Jaundice is commonly associated with liver problems. During Jaundice, the patient suffers from discoloration of the skin, eyes, and mucous. Jaundice does not work alone but is a sign of an underlying disease or condition. Hence, Jaundice is one of the common symptoms of liver problems.2. Pain In The Abdominal Region
Abdominal pain or swelling is also associated with common symptoms of liver problems. An abdominal pain would usually occur between the chest and the pelvic region which would start feeling crampy. Trending: Things to Eat & Avoid during Diabetes.3. Swollen Ankle Or Foot
A swollen ankle usually means that the region has suffered fluid buildup. This problem usually arises due to issues in the circulatory system. Thus, a swollen ankle or foot is considered one of the common symptoms of liver problems.4. Itchy Skin
While rarely, an itchy skin is still considered to be on of the common symptoms of liver problems. The most common problems which share the symptom of an itchy skin are a food allergy and dry skin. However, in some cases, itching could imply the presence of gallstones and obstruction of the bile duct. Also read: Health Benefits of Donating Blood.5. Amber Or Red Colored Urine
Usually, a sign of dehydration, a dark colored urine can also sometimes be one of the common symptoms of liver problems. A dark colored urine means that the person could be suffering from Cirrhosis which is the scarring of the linings inside the liver.6. Blood In Stool
If a patient sees blood in stool then one of the common reasons is scarring in the rectal region. However, a bloody stool is also one of the common symptoms of liver problems. Bloody stool is associated with chronic liver failure, it is recommended that the patient should immediately seek medical advice in such a case. Read: What are Antibiotics?7. Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a common occurrence in patients with liver problems. The impact of chronic in the lifestyle of these patients is significantly noticeable. The worst part about common symptoms of liver problems like fatigue can go completely unnoticed.8. Nausea & Vomiting
While nausea or vomiting could point to a plethora of problems, it is also one of the symptoms of liver problems. In patients with liver problems, nausea or vomiting could be mean Cirrhosis. Also, read about: Viral Fever Home Remedies.9. Lack/Loss Of Appetite
One of the more serious symptoms of liver problems is a lack or loss of appetite. If a person is becoming increasingly less inclined to eat then immediate medical help is necessary in such a case. Loss of appetite in extreme conditions could mean a patient is suffering from liver failure.10. Prone To Be Easily Injured/Bruised
If a person is frequently suffering from nosebleeds or is bleeding more than usual from small cuts then it could be pointing to problems with the liver. This is one of the common symptoms of liver problems. The loss of blood in such cases could lead to fatal levels of low blood pressure. Must read: Foods to Avoid with High Blood Pressure.Take Away - Common Symptoms of Liver Problems
Prevention being better than cure, people should constantly go through whole body checkups. This would help in the long run since it does away with the need of looking out for symptoms of liver problems. And again, if a patient sees a combination of the above-mentioned symptoms, he or she should seek immediate medical help.
Reviewed by
