The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body.
It quietly performs hundreds of important jobs every day, including removing harmful substances from the blood, helping digest food, storing energy, and making proteins and other substances the body needs to stay healthy.
Because it does so much work, damage to the liver can affect the entire body.
Liver failure happens when the liver becomes so damaged that it can no longer do its job properly. This can happen very quickly, which is called acute liver failure, or it can develop slowly over many years, known as chronic liver failure. Chronic liver failure is often the result of long-term liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
The good news is that liver damage can often be slowed or even prevented if warning signs are recognised early. Many people do not realise they have liver disease because the symptoms can be mild at first. Learning what to watch for can help people seek treatment before the condition becomes more serious.
One of the clearest warning signs is jaundice. This causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow because a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood when the liver cannot remove it properly.
Feeling constantly tired is another common symptom. This type of tiredness often does not improve with rest because the damaged liver cannot clear waste products from the blood as well as it should. As these substances build up, people may feel weak and lack energy.
Many people also notice changes in their appetite or digestion. They may feel sick, lose interest in food, or vomit. These problems happen because the liver plays a major role in processing food and helping the body handle nutrients and chemicals.
Swelling can be another important sign. Fluid may collect in the legs, ankles, or feet because the liver is no longer making enough albumin, a protein that helps keep fluid inside blood vessels. Some people also develop swelling in the abdomen, called ascites, which can make the belly feel tight and uncomfortable.
Pain or discomfort on the upper right side of the abdomen may also occur because that is where the liver is located. Some people notice their urine becomes dark while their stools become pale or clay coloured, showing that the liver is no longer processing waste products normally.
Easy bruising or bleeding is another warning sign. A healthy liver produces proteins that help blood clot. When the liver is damaged, these proteins may be reduced, making bleeding easier and bruises appear more often.
Doctors use several tests to check liver health. Blood tests can measure liver enzymes and proteins, while ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans can show changes in the liver. Sometimes a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, is needed to confirm the cause of the problem.
Looking after your liver is one of the best ways to protect your overall health. Eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, taking medicines only as directed, maintaining a healthy weight, and having regular health checks can all lower the risk of liver disease.
If you notice any of these warning signs, do not ignore them. Seeing a doctor early can lead to faster diagnosis and better treatment. With early care and healthy lifestyle choices, many people can prevent further liver damage and continue living healthy lives.
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