Your liver is among the most diligently working organs in your body. Involved in all nutrient processing, filtration of toxins, and keeping the metabolism running at full speed, it acts fairly silently when it starts to suffer. No other organ is like the liver: It generally doesn’t broadcast clear distress signals until damage has become quite advanced. That is why it’s very important to know the signs of liver damage early and to act before it is too late.
According to the best general physician in Nagpur, you can diagnose and seek treatment early if you know the signs and symptoms related to the liver. In the following article, we will share six key signs of liver damage that you must not ignore.
6 Warning Signs of Liver Damage You Must Not Ignore
- Prolonged Fatigue and Weakness
It is normal to feel tired after a long day, but if one continues to feel fatigued even after resting, then that is something one ought to be worried about. Liver damage depresses the organs’ ability to store and release energy appropriately in the cells. If the liver fails to filter the toxins from the blood, then this toxic collection may cause chronic fatigue and weakness. A general physician is needed if you find yourself daily or constantly drained.
- Yellowing of the Skin and the White of the Eyes (Jaundice)
The most obvious sign of liver damage is probably jaundice. This is because the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellowish color. The cause behind this is that the liver cannot metabolize bilirubin, a product of the breakdown of red blood cells. When bilirubin concentration increases in blood, then that is what leads to the color change. You should not assume it’s insignificant when you are experiencing yellowing. That’s one of the strongest symptoms telling you that your liver requires a doctor’s attention very quickly.
- Sudden Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
Your weight loss when not changing any aspect of your diet or body workout may indicate what is amiss with your liver. A good part of what the liver does is its digestive function. Failure to meet performance requirements can result in the loss of appetite, nausea, and unintentional weight loss. In case you consider that your favorite dishes anymore attract you or you start to lose pounds without any diet, go to your doctor and undergo a consultation to exclude the possibility of a liver disorder.
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
The inflammation of the liver causes you discomfort or pain in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen. It might be dull, depending on the degree of severity. Fluid retention becomes another problem with this inability of the liver to carry out its normal functioning activities. Fluid retention brings about an enlarged abdomen and swelling. If your stomach looks bloated or you’re experiencing chronic discomfort in the belly, it’s a sign of liver damage you should not treat lightly.
- Dark Colored Urine and Pale-Colored Stool
Much can be learned from urine and stool in a case. In liver malfunction, the urine can darken to an extent far beyond the norm, looking similar to tea or cola. On the other hand, it has been noticed that stool color would become light-colored or even clay-like in color when bile fails to pass. The color change should not be ignored in both cases because such changes may indicate underlying issues of the liver that need to be checked as early as possible.
- Itchy Skin and Easy Bruising
It also presents with liver malfunction which results in an accumulation of bile salts under the skin causing constant itching with no visible cause. Further, a failing liver manufactures lesser proteins which contribute to blood clotting. So, even if you experience slight injury, bruises and bleeding could be possible due to its weakness. You can consult your health care professional in case of such bruises and unrelenting itching.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you experience any of these symptoms of liver damage, do not wait for them to get worse. Early diagnosis and treatment may help in handling the liver disease much better. A general physician can conduct required tests and can advise on changes in lifestyle or medication that would help your liver get back in shape.
Simple Lifestyle Changes Preventing Liver Damage
Although some types of liver diseases cannot be prevented by any means since they are linked to genetic elements, most causes of liver damage can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some guidelines on how one can maintain a healthy liver:
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Ingest sufficient amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, but avoid excess fat and processed foods.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is sure to have the liver detoxify itself very efficiently.
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Overconsumption of alcohol causes liver damage.
- Exercise: Healthy exercise maintains a healthy weight, hence there is no gain of fatty liver disease.
- Avoid Unnecessary Drugs: The overuse of painkillers and other medicines strains your liver.
- Regular Checkups: This will make it easy to detect a problem in your liver before it gets to be critical.
Your liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, and identifying the warning signs of damage can be a lifesaver. So, if you find yourself constantly feeling fatigued, or you notice jaundice, abdominal pain, or any other such symptom, do not ignore it. Instead, consult the best general physician in Nagpur so that you can reach the bottom of the cause behind your symptoms and get the right treatment.
Do not worry about liver care being very complicated. By leading a healthy lifestyle and frequent checkups in the medical offices, it should not be such a difficult affair to keep it in optimal conditions. Listen to your body when you have odd symptoms; perhaps take some early action before you end up complaining to someone you know who won’t understand it.