The liver is responsible for many other functions, which is why you should pay attention to the signs your body gives you about a problem with this vital organ, and learn how to care for it as much as possible and keep it healthy.
Liver failure occurs when large parts of the liver are damaged, and the organ is no longer able to perform its functions properly. Liver failure and other liver-related diseases are life-threatening, so liver problems require immediate medical attention when they are detected. Liver failure often develops gradually over several years. Some of the most common causes of this condition include chronic liver disease, hepatitis C and hepatitis B, long-term alcohol consumption, cirrhosis, and malnutrition.
Liver failure is a difficult condition to diagnose, so it's essential to recognize the various symptoms and signs that indicate it. This article discusses these to help you with this task, presenting the following list of the most prominent and important signs:
1- Upset Stomach: In addition to experiencing some unpleasant stomach upsets, patients also feel nauseous. People with liver damage often experience persistent nausea because the liver loses its ability to eliminate toxins. This is one of the most important signs of this condition.
2- Fatigue and General Exhaustion: Feeling tired and weak is one of the most important signs of liver damage. This symptom results from increased levels of toxins in the bloodstream due to the liver's inability to properly cleanse the body of these harmful substances.
3- Loss of Appetite: This occurs because the body lacks bile production, which helps digest fats in food. When food isn't digested properly, it leads to a loss of appetite.
4. Digestive Problems: If the liver fails, the patient may experience increased indigestion and frequent diarrhea. Additionally, when bile production decreases, the patient becomes more susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, and gallstones.
5. Changes in Urine Color: If urine becomes dark, it may indicate liver damage. This is due to elevated bilirubin levels, which are produced within the body because the liver is unable to eliminate them. The bilirubin is then excreted through the kidneys, causing the urine to change color.
6. Changes in Stool Color: Stool color may change due to inadequate bile secretion caused by impaired liver function. It may become pale yellow, clay-colored, or gray.
7. Jaundice: This condition occurs due to an increase in bilirubin in the bloodstream and body tissues, which is then excreted in the bile. This is one of the symptoms of liver damage that affects the body.
8. Abdominal changes: If you experience pain and cramps in your lower abdomen, along with bloating, this could indicate ascites and liver failure.
9. Fluid retention: Fluid retention is one of the most important early signs of liver failure, especially in the ankles and feet. You should consult a doctor immediately.
10. Increased skin itching: The skin becomes very sensitive in this condition, leading to itching and cracking. Bruising and the appearance of veins also become more noticeable.
11. Abdominal pain: Liver failure often causes pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, near the rib cage, where the liver is located. When the liver loses its ability to function, this area of the body becomes painful.
12. Intestinal bleeding: The liver helps in blood clotting. Without it, stomach bleeding can occur, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea.