Reddish-brown in colour, the liver occupies the upper right portion of your abdominal cavity. An average liver weighs around three pounds and can handle 13% of your body’s blood supply at any given time. Some liver functions include:
- Amino acid regulation in the blood
- Maintaining glucose level balance
- Convert and store excess glucose as glycogen
- Aid blood clotting
- Drug and toxin removal from the body
- Combating infection through immune factors (made by the liver).
- Ridding your bloodstream of bacteria
- Getting rid of excess bilirubin produced by RBCs
However, if the liver malfunctions, your health can be at risk. You should keep an eye out for these 10 liver warning signs.
- Jaundice
It is a condition where the white portion of the eyes and the skin turns yellow. As a result of red blood cell processing failure, the liver produces bilirubin, a pigment. Several different types of liver damage can cause discolouration, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis B. These conditions require liver cirrhosis treatment and jaundice treatment
2. Itchiness of the skin
It is common for skin issues to develop randomly due to liver problems. When the liver is not functioning normally, bile salt accumulates under the skin. As a result, the skin becomes flaky and itchy. However, also note that conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis could also cause itchiness of the skin.
3. Appetite loss
An improperly functioning liver is a result of an improperly functioning bile. This results in weight loss. Other conditions also include nausea and abdominal pain. MayoClinic states that a loss of appetite is a common sign of liver damage.
4. A tendency to bleed and bruise frequently
A lack of certain proteins inhibits the formation of clots after an injury. Deficiencies in the liver can interfere with the production of the required protein. Your skin becomes thinner as you age, making you more prone to bruises.
5. Poor concentration & forgetfulness
In the absence of proper liver function, toxins begin to accumulate in the body and hinder other functions. Toxin build-up can also affect your memory and mental health. Difficulty in concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion, mood swings, as well as changes in personality can be a result of liver problems.
6. Inconsistent sleep patterns
Sleep patterns can be disturbed by a variety of factors. It has been discovered that liver cirrhosis may be a contributing factor, which can make it especially difficult for people to sleep well.
7. Excessive fatigue
Feeling tired all the time? Liver disease might be the cause. Fatigue is a common symptom of liver damage that could be caused by a change in brain neurotransmission.
8. Sudden weight loss or weight gain
You might experience an increase in weight if your liver is malfunctioning. Cirrhosis of the liver replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, causing a blockage in blood flow through the liver and impairing its function. Weight loss is also a symptom of liver disease – it could be an indication of hepatitis C.
9. Swelling in ankles or legs
A common sign of liver disease is swelling in the ankles and legs. Liver disease can occur due to obesity, alcohol, or a variety of factors. It is advisable to check with your physician to ensure everything is alright.
10. Dark coloured urine
Sudden changes in urine colour can be alarming. It could be an indication of liver disease/damage. As noted earlier in this blog, bilirubin can cause the yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes and can also be a reason for the change in the colour of urine.
You should watch out for these warning symptoms and consult your Liver transplant surgeon in Chennaiif you feel something is amiss. The earlier you diagnose a disease, the better your chances of survival and recovery.