The liver produces energy by processing nutrients circulating in the blood in our body. It also regulates blood sugar, synthesizes proteins, serves as storage and ensures the absorption of many vitamins and minerals. However, it is not limited to these because the liver also undertakes the detox task by removing harmful substances from the body. A healthy liver has a direct impact on our overall health. Proper functioning of the liver maintains our energy levels, keeps our skin bright and healthy, supports our immune system and regulates digestive processes. Additionally, the liver’s ability to clear toxins protects our body from various harmful substances.
How do we know if there is a problem with the liver?
Symptoms of liver problems may often not be obvious and may develop over time. However, there may be some common symptoms that indicate liver problems. A problem with the liver can cause swelling or distension in the abdominal area. This condition is often associated with dilation of blood vessels or fluid accumulation in the liver. Liver diseases can often cause loss of appetite. This can lead to weight loss.
Liver problems are often associated with feelings of extreme fatigue. This condition may occur due to impairment in energy production or accumulation of toxins. Liver problems can cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often reflect problems with the digestive system. Liver problems can cause changes in urine color. Dark colored urine or light colored stools may indicate liver problems.
What are liver diseases?
The liver is one of the most important organs of the body and performs many important functions. These include digesting food, removing toxins from the body, blood clotting, and regulating the function of the immune system. Liver diseases are any condition that disrupts the normal functioning of the liver. Liver diseases can be acute or chronic. Acute liver diseases are diseases that usually occur in a short time and progress rapidly. Chronic liver diseases are diseases that progress more slowly and usually require long-term treatment. Some of the common liver diseases are:
- fatty liver
- alcoholic liver disease
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- hemochromatosis
- liver cancer
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Polycystic Liver Disease
Where does liver disease hit?
Liver disorders manifest themselves with certain symptoms, and these symptoms usually appear in the abdominal area. The liver is located in the upper right corner of the abdomen, called the right hypochondrium. Therefore, liver disorders are often associated with upper right abdominal pain and other symptoms. Some specific areas hit by liver disorders:
- The most common symptom in liver disorders is pain in the upper right abdomen. This pain can often range from mild to severe.
- Problems with the liver can often cause swelling and a feeling of tightness in the abdomen. This condition is usually felt in the upper part of the abdomen.
- If liver diseases progress, jaundice may occur.
- Liver problems can cause itching in the body. This is often associated with disturbances in bile flow.
- Liver disorders can often cause loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Liver diseases can often be associated with nausea and vomiting.
- Liver disorders can often cause an increase in body temperature (fever) and general malaise.
- When liver functions are impaired, energy production may be affected and individuals may experience unexplained fatigue.
These symptoms may indicate that a person may be experiencing liver disease, but these symptoms can also be related to many other health conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional in case of any symptoms. Diagnosis may often include methods such as physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy.
What are the symptoms of an unhealthy liver?
Symptoms of an unhealthy liver can vary depending on how damaged the liver is. People with mild liver damage may not have any symptoms. However, as liver damage increases, some symptoms may occur. In general, symptoms of liver diseases may appear as follows:
- Tiredness
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Itching
- Pain
Liver problems can cause skin changes. Skin symptoms of liver disease first appear as jaundice. The main cause of jaundice is related to the inability to remove blood bilirubin from the body. Liver damage can make it difficult to remove bilirubin from the body and cause jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Other symptoms of liver diseases on the skin:
- Itching
- Reddish or brownish spots on the skin
- Redness on the palms or soles of the feet
- Small, reddish or brownish veins on the skin.
What is the treatment for liver diseases?
Since liver diseases have a wide range, treatment methods vary depending on the type, severity and underlying causes of the disease. In order to treat liver diseases, it is necessary to learn the underlying cause. However, in general, the most basic approach to the treatment of liver diseases is lifestyle change.
For a healthy liver, there should be proper eating habits, regular exercise and weight control. In addition, staying away from alcohol, cigarettes and other recreational substances that trigger liver health is also included in the treatment of liver diseases. Depending on the underlying causes of liver disease, drug treatment, vaccine treatment or surgical intervention may be applied.