The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. It’s responsible for many different functions, including detoxification and metabolization of food. Unfortunately, when the liver becomes damaged or diseased, it can have a significant impact on your health – sometimes even making you feel like your stomach is constantly “upset.”
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to take action:
Yellowing Of The Eyes & Skin
One of the most noticeable signs that something is wrong with your liver function, yellowing of the eyes and skin are often related to jaundice. This condition typically occurs when there’s an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood – which can be caused by many different factors, including hepatitis C infection or drugs like Tylenol (acetaminophen). If you notice any yellow tint to your eyes or skin, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately as this could be a sign of serious problems.
Upset Stomach Or Nausea
If you’re experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping after eating greasy foods, etc., know that these issues might not always be “all in your head.” There are many different reasons why you could be dealing with an upset stomach, but one of the most common is due to liver disease.
Abdominal Swelling/Bloating
Do you notice that your midsection is swollen or bloated? This could be a sign of ascites, which occurs when the liver becomes damaged and releases too much fluid into the abdominal cavity. Another potential cause for this swelling/bloating sensation in your stomach region includes an accumulation of gas due to poor digestion (which can also lead to constipation).
Diagnosis Of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a condition that causes inflammation and eventual damage to the liver cells. This typically occurs when our body’s immune system starts attacking healthy cells – which results in widespread scarring. If autoimmune hepatitis goes unnoticed for too long, it can eventually lead to cirrhosis (compensated). Having AIH also increases your risk of developing hepatoma – or cancerous tumors on the organ tissue. Doctors typically diagnose this type of issue through blood tests, diagnostic imaging scans like CT/MRI, biopsy tissue samples, and more.
Fatigue And Weakness
Are you constantly feeling exhausted or worn down? If your answer is yes (even if it’s not the full story), there might be a good chance that liver health could be an issue. It’s well documented that people with chronic hepatitis C infection often deal with extreme fatigue, which can eventually lead to other issues like depression. Liver damage due to autoimmune diseases or alcohol consumption can also cause fatigue – as well as general weakness. In many cases, this sign is commonly overlooked because we tend to think of our organs working in isolation rather than together. This means that when one part isn’t performing at 100%, it’ll affect everything else too – including energy levels/alertness and daily motivation.
Non-Stop Itching
If you’re experiencing an inexplicable bout of itching, it might be time to investigate the cause. While there are many potential reasons for this symptom (ranging from dry skin to a parasitic infection), one of the most common is liver disease. When our livers aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to a condition called pruritus – which is basically intense and uncontrollable itchiness all over the body.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss that occurs unintentionally or without explanation can be a sign of various health problems, including liver issues. This happens because when our livers aren’t working correctly, they can’t metabolize food as efficiently as they should. As a result, we may start to lose weight even though we’re eating more than usual – and this is especially true for those with hepatitis C.
Being Overweight
While it’s true that some people might overeat and gain weight without any liver issues present, this isn’t the case for everyone. If you’re experiencing a rapid or unexplained increase in body fat (especially around your midsection), know that there could be something going on with your organ health. According to research published by Hepatology International, overweight/obesity is one of the most common symptoms associated with hepatitis C infection – which means that if you’ve developed excess pounds recently, it may not necessarily be due to lifestyle choices.
Fever And Chills
Along with a high temperature, fever can be one of the ways that our body tries to fight off an infection (like liver disease). This sign might also occur when there’s inflammation in other areas like joints or muscles too. Either way, if you often find yourself running a higher-than-normal temperature, it could mean something bigger on the inside. Suppose you notice any chills along with your fever. In that case, you should seek medical attention right away as these symptoms together might indicate an autoimmune condition known as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
Conclusion
These are just a few of the most common signs that you might have liver issues. If you’re experiencing any of them, it’s important to speak with your doctor and get checked out as soon as possible. Remember that early diagnosis is vital in preventing more severe problems down the road.