The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It helps remove harmful toxins from the blood, supports digestion, and controls energy levels.
But because it does so many jobs, the liver can be vulnerable to damage. When the liver becomes badly damaged, it can stop working properly. This is called liver failure, and it can be life-threatening.
Liver failure can happen suddenly (acute liver failure) or slowly over time (chronic liver failure). It is often the final result of other liver problems, like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. The good news is that liver failure can often be prevented—especially if the warning signs are caught early.
One of the most well-known signs of liver trouble is jaundice. This is when the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. It happens when the liver can’t get rid of a substance called bilirubin, which builds up in the body.
Feeling very tired or weak all the time can also be an early sign. This happens because the liver isn’t able to remove toxins from the blood, and those toxins make you feel worn out.
Many people with early liver disease feel sick to their stomach, lose their appetite, or even vomit. These symptoms appear because the liver is struggling to process the food and chemicals in your body.
Swelling in the legs and ankles is another sign. This happens when the liver can’t make enough of a protein called albumin, which helps keep fluids in the blood vessels.
Some people may also notice swelling in the belly, called ascites, or feel pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. These are signs that the liver may be struggling.
Changes in bathroom habits can also point to liver trouble. Very dark urine or pale, clay-colored stools can happen when the liver isn’t working as it should.
If you bruise or bleed more easily than usual, it might be because your liver isn’t making the proteins needed for blood clotting.
Catching these signs early and talking to a doctor can make a big difference. Treating liver disease early can slow or even stop the damage. This is especially important for people with risk factors like heavy alcohol use, long-term use of certain medications, or infections such as hepatitis.
Doctors can use several tools to check your liver health. Blood tests can measure enzymes and proteins in the blood. Imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs can help show changes in the liver. Sometimes, doctors may do a biopsy—removing a small piece of the liver to examine under a microscope.
In short, knowing the warning signs of liver disease can help you take action before it’s too late. Simple habits like eating well, limiting alcohol, using medications carefully, and going for regular check-ups can keep your liver healthy.
If you or someone you care about shows any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Talk to a healthcare provider to find out what’s going on and get the right care.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about Fatty liver disease linked to severe infections and findings of A new drug for weight loss and liver health.
For more about liver health, please read studies about Aspirin can reduce liver fat, study finds and findings of What are symptoms of concurrent kidney and liver disease.
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