Liver Damage Symptoms - Major Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment and More

Liver Damage Symptoms Explained

The liver is one of the most essential organs in the human body. It is responsible for a wide range of important functions, including detoxification, protein production, and the creation of chemicals that aid in digestion. As vital as its functions are, any damage to the liver can significantly affect a person's health.

Liver regeneration is a remarkable feature of this organ, but it can only occur if damage is detected early and properly treated. If the liver becomes overwhelmed by disease, toxins, or other factors, liver failure can occur, which is life-threatening. Early recognition of liver damage symptoms can facilitate prompt treatment, leading to potential improvement in the prognosis.

10 Telling Symptoms of Liver Damage From Alcohol

Here are some common symptoms of liver damage due to alcohol:

Jaundice

Jaundice is characterized by the yellow colouration of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is one of the classical indications of liver dysfunction. The reason is that the liver's ability to metabolize bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cells, is impaired. Due to the liver's inability to function, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, producing this yellow pigmentation.

Abdominal Pain

Upper right quadrant abdominal pain is another typical symptom. When the liver becomes inflamed, it stretches the liver capsule, leading to pain. This may be constant or intermittent and may worsen with meals or following alcohol consumption.

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Nausea and Vomiting

Long-term liver inflammation can interfere with the digestive process and lead to nausea and vomiting. The symptom is quite common in alcoholic hepatitis, a more severe condition of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Vomiting can also occur due to the toxicity of alcohol to the liver.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is one of the frequent symptoms of ALD, often in combination with nausea and abdominal pain. It results in significant weight loss, especially in more advanced stages of the disease. 

Fatigue 

People with ALD get extremely weak or tired. The liver makes many significant proteins and enzymes that help with energy metabolism. When the liver is impaired, the creation of the body's energy does not function well, which results in chronic fatigue. 

Swelling (Edema) 

Legs, ankles, or feet fluid retention is seen in patients with liver disease. The liver is unable to produce sufficient amounts of albumin, a protein that keeps the body's fluid balance in check. The leakage of fluid beyond the vessels with insufficient amounts of albumin causes swelling. 

Ascites 

The more serious level of fluid accumulation is ascites, wherein the fluid is within the stomach cavity. This creates bloating that may be observable and will be uncomfortable. Ascites often occur in the later phase of cirrhosis and are a sign that the liver is now in failure. 

Easy Bruising or Bleeding 

The liver produces proteins needed for blood clotting. When liver function is impaired, clotting factors are reduced, making individuals susceptible to bruising and spontaneous bleeding. Small bumps result in big bruises, and cuts or scrapes take longer to subside. 

Itchy Skin (Pruritus) 

Itching without rash is common in liver disease. Bile salts, which are otherwise metabolized by the liver and excreted, accumulate in the skin when the liver is damaged. A build-up of these toxins can trigger intense itching. 

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Confusion or Behavioral Alterations  

Hepatic encephalopathy is a life-threatening complication of liver disease where the liver is no longer able to clear toxins from the blood. As these toxins build up, they can damage brain function, leading to confusion, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and even coma in severe cases. It is usually observed in end-stage liver disease or cirrhosis. 

If you or somebody you know is experiencing these symptoms, you need to visit a healthcare provider for evaluation and potential intervention. The earlier that ALD is diagnosed and lifestyle modifications, such as alcohol avoidance, are made, the better the outcome is likely to be. 

Liver Damage Symptoms on The Skin 

Liver damage may present with a variety of skin symptoms, which are indicative of the organ's impaired function to metabolize waste and control hormones. Some of the significant liver damage symptoms on the skin are: 

• Jaundice: Yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes caused by bilirubin buildup. 
• Spider Angiomas: Red, spider-shaped blood vessels on the skin commonly associated with liver disease. 
• Palmar Erythema: Redness of the palms with liver failure. 
• Xanthelasma: Yellow plaques around the eyes, reflecting lipid metabolism disorders. 
• Pruritus (Itching): Persistent itching without a rash, commonly caused by bile salt buildup. 
• Hyperpigmentation: Skin darkening, particularly on the shins and top of the feet, brought about by a hormonal imbalance in the production of melanin. 
• Dry Skin (Xerosis): Profound dryness resulting in coarse, scaly skin, typically as a result of the failure of the liver to metabolize vitamin A. 
• Hair and Nail Changes: Thinning or loss of facial and body hair, clubbing of toenails and fingernails, and nail colour changes, including Terry's nails, indicating hormonal and metabolic derangements. 

Identifying these skin changes is important for the early detection of liver dysfunction. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek the advice of a healthcare professional for assessment and proper management. 

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Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Damage 

The following are the diagnosis methods for liver damage: 

• Medical History & Physical Exam – Doctors assess alcohol consumption, medications, and hepatitis exposure and look for signs such as jaundice or swelling. 
• Blood Tests – Liver function tests (LFTs) measure high enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin levels, and protein/clotting factor production. 
• Imaging Tests – Ultrasound, CT (Computed Tomography) scan, or (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) MRI to view the liver to check for inflammation, fatty accumulations, or tumours. 
• Liver Biopsy (if necessary) – A biopsy of a tiny sample of tissue is looked at under a microscope to establish the type and extent of liver injury. 

Listed below are the treatment options for liver damage: 

• Treat Underlying Cause – Treatment differs depending on the cause, such as antiviral medication for hepatitis or immunosuppressants for autoimmune liver disease. 
• Lifestyle Modifications – Abstaining from alcohol, having a liver-supportive diet, weight loss (for fatty liver), and controlling diabetes are vital for recovery. 
• Liver Transplant (Advanced Cases) – When damage advances to failure and is irreversible, a transplant can be the sole solution. 

Liver damage can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), pain in the abdomen, nausea, and swelling. When the liver's function is compromised, the symptoms intensify, resulting in more serious complications such as fatigue, bleeding, and fluid retention.  

If such symptoms develop, medical attention needs to be obtained, as it can help prevent additional liver damage and improve outcomes. Routine health check-ups, a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol consumption are also important preventive factors. For complete health insurance coverage, Star Health provides policies that focus on liver and digestive health to ensure timely treatment and care. 

Call us now and safeguard your well-being and that of your loved ones!