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.