Early signs of Liver damage – Dr. Balbir Singh

The liver is an organ about the size of a football. It is located just under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and eliminating toxic substances from the body. Liver disease can be inherited (genetic). Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity.

Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) in turn leading to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. Yet, early treatment may give the liver time to heal.

1. What are the early symptoms of Liver diseases?

Liver is a very resilient organ. It does hundreds of functions every day. It does not produce symptoms very easily unless it is significantly damaged. 

The early signs of liver disease are: 

• Feeling weak and getting tired easily.
• Loss of appetite – leading to the weight loss.
• Lack of sexual desire
• Yellow coloration of eyes
• Passing dark colored urine
• Itching skin
• Swelling of ankle or foot
• Swelling of the abdomen

2. How is the Liver affected?

Liver can be affected in many ways. There are various types of hepatitis like A, E, B & C. Liver can get affected by tumors, alcohol consumption and fatty liver disease. These are the common diseases which are prevalent in India at the moment.

3. When to consult a doctor for Liver damage?

If you note any of these symptoms, you should think something is wrong with your body and visit a consultant who is an expert in liver diseases.

4. How is Liver damage diagnosed?

Liver disease is diagnosed by doing blood tests. The blood test includes liver function tests like SUT, SEPT, serum bilirubin, serum albumin and tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis A to check the blood sugar levels whether the patient is diabetic or not. If the patient is obese, cholesterol levels should be monitored. Alongside, the patient’s lipid profile, thyroid function as well as inner function tests are performed to diagnose the problem and tests like ultrasound can reveal whether the patient is having liver problems or not.

5. Treatment options

Once the liver disease is diagnosed, according to the cause that has caused liver disease, treatment is given to the patient. Suppose, if somebody is diabetic the patient is advised to keep sugar levels under control, avoid sweets and reduce his weight, daily exercise, and lifestyle modification. If the liver damage occurs because of alcohol consumption, then the patient is asked to stop alcohol intake. A patient with hepatitis B or C is given antiviral therapy for the infection.

So for the general public, if there are any sign of loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, feeling sleepy during day time or yellowness of eyes, passing dark color urine, immediately consult your consultant who is an expert in treating liver disease. Then, you will get to know what problem you are having. Keep your liver healthy, do regular exercise, keep your weight under control, if you are diabetic – keep your blood sugar levels under control and drink alcohol in moderation.