Liver problem symptoms and early signs:

Liver problem symptoms alter among different people and also relies on its causes. Here is a list of a few common liver problem symptoms that can be related to some type of severe disease.

Dark urine, yellowish skin and eyes:

This is a very common liver problem symptom. Typically, yellowish skin and eyes are a symptom of jaundice which is caused when the liver function gets disrupted. Jaundice may suggest a major problem with the function of your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.

Pale and black stools are most likely liver problem symptoms:

Stools happen to be dark because of the bile salts that your liver discharges. If the stool is black or pale in color, it may reflect some problems with your liver or any other part of your body’s drainage system. Black stools can be a sign of advanced liver diseases that should get treated instantly. So pale and black stools is a major liver problem symptoms.

Itchy skin and easily bruising:

Another liver problem symptom is that you may have itchiness on your skin and bruise easily. This happens due to your liver’s reduced ability to elicit clotting factors.

Fatigue and tiredness:

There is no reason found by the doctors why liver damage exhibits symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. However, most people having liver problems complaints of fatigue and tiredness so it is apparently a common liver problem symptom.

Nausea and vomiting:

Nausea is caused because of the build-up of toxins in your bloodstream. It can be a liver problem symptom as the liver functions in filtering out toxins. So feeling nauseous may suggest a vital problem with your liver function.

Swollen abdomen, legs, and ankles:

When the fluid processed in the liver is conserved, it results in a swollen abdomen, legs, and ankles. This can be a problem related to the functioning of the liver.

Other than these liver problem symptoms, there are symptoms like loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, etc.

Causes of liver problems:

Infection:

Viruses can cause inflammation that can have a critical consequence on your liver function. Common types of liver infections are caused by hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These viruses can cause liver damage and give birth to prominent liver problems. They are generally transmitted through blood or contaminated food or water and is also contagious.

Fat Buildup:

Fatty liver disease is caused by fat buildup in your liver. Fatty liver disease can damage your liver and even lead to liver failure. Excess alcohol consumption can also be a factor of fatty liver diseases. A liver disease called hepatic steatosis is also caused due to fat build-up because of excessive drinking. Hepatic steatosis liver disease symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, discomfort in the area of the liver.

Abnormality of the immune system:

This is a condition in which your liver attacks healthy cells in your body. In a condition called autoimmune hepatitis, your immune system attacks your liver and causes serious damage. If this condition is not treated, it may lead to liver failure and cirrhosis.

Genetics:

A genetic condition that you inherit from your parents can also affect your liver. In diseases like Hemochromatosis that causes your body to store more iron than it needs. So your liver stores iron and this can lead to severe liver damage, if not treated within time.

Risk factors:

Risk factors of developing any type of liver problem include being obese, sharing needles, having a family history of liver diseases, exposure to toxins, having high cholesterol or diabetes, sexual intercourse without protection, taking supplements in large amount, heavy drinking, etc.

Prevention and treatment of liver problems:

Liver problems are chronic but can be managed with certain changes in lifestyle along with medication. Lifestyle changes include drinking more water, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and specifically consuming good food for the liver which includes plenty of fiber, fruits like grapes, blueberries, and no sugar and fatty foods. Also getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis.

The food good for the liver also depends on the condition of your liver problem. Your doctor can recommend god foods accordingly. You may also need medical treatment, and your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis, some antibiotics, steroids to reduce liver inflammation, and other medications for other problems. Surgery is the last option considered for the treatment of the ulcers

Causes

How to Repair Liver Damage from Alcohol

It is possible to repair liver damage from alcohol and acetaminophen. The liver is the single internal organ capable of complete regeneration. Even with some areas of the liver not working, it is still able to provide support to your body.

The liver is fast in its regeneration. However, disruption of the healing process due to chronic alcohol use and drugs overdose lead to the formation of scar tissue which the liver cannot remove.

Quitting the use of alcohol is an important first step towards repairing liver damage. All liver damage repair processes are internal since it is your body that repairs the damaged liver.

This is why liver damage from alcohol treatment is progressing faster and better with proper nutrition. Repairing the liver is easier if you have not developed liver cirrhosis. You should take the following steps to repair liver damage from alcohol

• Do not drink any more alcohol and stay away from harmful substances and drugs. You do not want to add more injury to your already-hurt liver.
• Eat healthy to give your body all the nutrients it needs to repair the liver. Eating healthy also ensures that your body functions well despite the damaged liver.
• Stay well hydrated at all times. A well hydrated body is able to clear toxins faster and properly carry out body processes such as repair of damaged tissue and organs.
• The severe liver disease may cause decreased muscular strength. Exercise moderately if you can. It will improve circulation and reduce your risk of having non-alcoholic fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases.

Call your medical care provider as soon as you note the early signs of liver damage from alcohol. The signs and symptoms may come after heavy or prolonged drinking. You should also seek your doctor’s advice if you get concerned that your drinking habit is damaging your health.

Alcoholic Liver Disease Symptomsearly signs of liver damage from alcohol

Symptoms often don’t emerge until extensive liver damage has been done. They can include:

• Inflammation of the liver, which results in potential abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, nausea, fever, fatigue and weakness
• Confusion, agitation, poor judgment and trouble concentrating
• Pain in the center or upper right part of your abdomen
• As liver damage worsens, symptoms can include jaundice, build up of fluid in the body, internal bleeding and muscle wasting.

Blood tests can reveal potential liver damage, which can then be confirmed by an ultrasound or liver biopsy.

The good news is that, by stopping drinking, liver damage can often be reversed. Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, exercising and eating well can also help reduce liver damage and keep you healthy.

Your liver is the organ found on the upper right side of your abdomen, just under your ribs. It has many functions that are essential to your health, such as:

• breaking down drugs, alcohol, and other potentially toxic substances
• producing bile to aid with the digestion of fats
• storing nutrients like glucose in the form of glycogen, as well as certain types of vitamins
• making proteins that are important for blood clotting

Various substances can damage your liver. While liver tissue can regenerate, continued damage can lead to the buildup of scar tissue. As scar tissue forms, it replaces healthy liver tissue. This can impair your liver’s ability to carry out its vital functions.

early signs of liver damage from alcohol Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver damage. When liver damage has happened due to alcohol, it’s called alcohol-related liver disease.

Below, we’ll explore the early signs of alcohol-related liver disease, what alcohol actually does to your liver, and what steps you can take in your day-to-day life to improve your liver health.

Alcohol-related liver disease actually encompasses three different liver conditions. Let’s discuss each of these in a bit more detail.

Liver Problem Symptoms Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is also called hepatic steatosis. It happens when fat begins to build up within your liver. Consuming too much alcohol can inhibit the breakdown of fats in the liver, causing fat accumulation.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is common in heavy drinkers. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90 percentTrusted Source of people who drink heavily have some form of this condition.

Liver Problem Symptoms People with alcoholic fatty liver disease typically have no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:

• discomfort in the area of the liver
• fatigue
• unexplained weight loss

Alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed by abstaining from alcohol for at least several weeks. The exact amount of time can vary by individual. For some, abstinence may need to be permanent.

If someone with this condition has alcohol use disorder, a healthcare provider will need to set up a treatment plan. This plan will help manage the condition as well as the withdrawal symptoms that may occur with abstinence.

Alcoholic hepatitis

If excessive alcohol consumption continues, inflammation levels can begin to increase in the liver. This can lead to a condition called alcoholic hepatitis.

Alcoholic hepatitis can have the following symptoms:

• pain in the area of the liver
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• fever
• nausea and vomiting
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Alcoholic hepatitis can be mild or severe. In mild alcoholic hepatitis, liver damage occurs slowly over the course of many years.

Severe alcoholic hepatitis can come on suddenly, such as after binge drinking, and can be life threatening.

If you develop alcoholic hepatitis, you may be able to reverse the damage by permanently abstaining from alcohol. Treatment also involves dietary changes and medications to reduce inflammation.

Some people with severe alcoholic hepatitis may need a liver transplant.

Alcoholic cirrhosis

Continued liver damage due to alcohol consumption can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which begins to replace healthy liver tissue. This is referred to as fibrosis. When extensive fibrosis has occurred, alcoholic cirrhosis develops.

The symptoms of alcoholic cirrhosis are similar to those of alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, alcoholic cirrhosis can lead to a variety of serious health complications, such as:

• portal hypertension (high blood pressure of the liver)
• ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
• hepatic encephalopathy (brain damage due to increased toxin levels in the blood)
• bleeding from veins in the upper digestive tract (varices)
• increased risk of infection
• kidney failure
• liver cancer

Alcoholic cirrhosis can’t be reversed. Treatment focuses on minimizing additional liver damage while addressing any complications that arise. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Symptoms Of Alcoholic Liver Disease

One should ask questions about diet, caloric intake, risk factors for malnutrition, and also about the risks for various types of chronic liver disease, including chronic viral hepatitis.

Questions about the following symptoms are necessary and informative:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever (in alcoholic hepatitis)
• Weakness
• Yellowish discoloration of eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Alteration of the sleep-wake cycle
• Mood swings
• Liver Problem Symptoms
• Being unable to control alcohol consumption
• Craving alcohol when you’re not drinking
• Putting alcohol above personal responsibilities
• Feeling the need to keep drinking more
• Spending a substantial amount of money on alcohol