What is the largest internal organ and gland in the body? Highest score if you guessed correctly! In an adult, it can be the size of a soccer ball. It has 500 important functions, but the three most important are the secretion of bile from the digestive tract, the removal of toxins from the blood, and the storage of glucose when energy is needed. If something goes wrong in these areas, liver disease occurs. Here are 10 warning signs to look out for. Of course, if you suspect liver disease, see your doctor. This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
You may have hepatitis.
There are five main types of hepatitis caused by hepatitis viruses. The three most important are hepatitis A, B, and C. You can get hepatitis A by consuming contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, but it can also be spread by sharing unsterilized needles. Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
The first symptoms of hepatitis can be flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss. As symptoms worsen, dizziness, poor circulation, and dark urine may occur. Treatment for hepatitis A and B is rest and a diet high in protein and carbohydrates. Interferon is sometimes given to patients with variants B and C. Since the liver is inflamed, the treatment is aimed at restoring and normalizing it.
Drinking too much alcohol can affect your liver.
The medical term for this is ARLD (alcoholic liver disease). The problem with this disorder is that there are no obvious signs or symptoms in the early stages, so it remains hidden. Of course, in case of excessive consumption of alcohol, regular check-ups are necessary to find out the condition of the liver. These blood tests are useful because they detect enzymes present when the liver is damaged. Confusion, lethargy, and vomiting blood may be symptoms of URLD in the later stages of the disease.
You may have liver disease.
This disease has nothing to do with excessive alcohol consumption. The medical term is NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). This may indicate malnutrition due to excess fatty liver. A normal liver contains almost no fat. It is very common in the UK and is thought to affect 30% of the population, at least in the early stages of the disease. If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, heart attack and stroke. Early symptoms may include discomfort and pain under the ribs, but sometimes the symptoms are vague. Research shows that irregular or insufficient sleep can negatively affect liver function, so treatment often depends on getting enough sleep. Lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise are required.
Nausea and loss of appetite are possible.
Nausea and loss of appetite may occur after eating. Although these can be symptoms of other diseases, bile secretion occurs when the liver function is impaired. This bile helps emulsify (or break down) fats so they can be absorbed. Nausea is one of the symptoms of liver failure.
You may feel very tired.
Fatigue and fatigue often indicate liver disease. In unhealthy conditions, the liver cannot detoxify the blood effectively. One method doctors use to determine whether this fatigue is related to liver disease is the Fatigue Impact Scale. It assesses how fatigue affects physical and mental performance and is often used to measure progress once treatment begins.
You may feel confused and disoriented.
As mentioned above, the most important function of the liver is to remove toxins from the blood. For example, when we take medicine, the liver filters it and makes it harmless. In addition, when consuming protein, ammonia is produced, which neutralizes the liver. However, when the liver is not functioning properly, these toxins accumulate; They can cause brain problems. This condition is also known as hepatic encephalopathy. The patient may be confused and confused.
You may have liver fibrosis.
This disease occurs in the late stages of hepatitis C or ARLD. The problem here is that the liver works so poorly that fibroids form and cause scarring. Swelling of the legs and feet due to fluid retention. Itchy hands and feet are also a symptom.
found during other medical tests.
You may have jaundice.
A classic warning sign of liver disease is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It occurs when a certain type of bile (bilirubin) secreted by the liver accumulates.