Symptoms that indicate liver problems are mainly pain on the right side of the tummy, tiredness, a “bloated” tummy and a yellowish tinge to the skin and eyes......READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Other common complaints are purple spots on the skin, itching in the body, dark urine and whitish stools. Less specific symptoms such as nausea, malaise, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, bitter mouth sensation and weight loss may also be present.
1. Right-sided abdominal pain
Abdominal pain located on the right side of the belly, in the uppermost region near the ribs, is the most common symptom of liver disease. It usually happens due to the increase in size of the liver.
The enlarged liver compresses neighbouring structures and nerve endings, causing discomfort in this region. As the disease progresses, the discomfort increases and then pain begins to appear, with varying intensities.
2. Tiredness
Tiredness without apparent reason, discouragement and lack of motivation, can be a sign of liver disease, due to its participation in the body’s metabolism. It is a symptom described by many people as “lack of energy”.
It is a very frequent symptom in patients with liver cirrhosis, hepatitis or hepatic steatosis. The greater the damage to the liver, the stronger the feeling of tiredness.
3. A swollen belly (“water belly”)
The swelling of the belly, popularly known as “water belly”, is scientifically called ascites. Ascites is characterized by the accumulation of liquid inside the abdominal cavity, giving the appearance of a swollen belly.
The belly becomes tense and the navel may be flattened or protruding. This is a very characteristic sign of advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis of the liver.
In these cases, it is important to seek a gastroenterologist or hepatologist as soon as possible in order to start treatment and avoid complications such as infection of this fluid.
4. Yellowish skin and eyes
The yellowish colouration of the skin and eyes is called jaundice. Jaundice results from the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, a substance produced in the spleen, which is metabolised by the liver to be eliminated in the urine.
In liver diseases, the liver is not able to metabolise this substance properly, thus bilirubin accumulates on the skin and mucous membranes, giving this yellowish colour, as well as itching on the body. On the other hand, the absence of bilirubin in the urine and faeces is responsible for the dark colour of the urine, similar to cola, and light-coloured faeces (faecal acolia).
The most common causes of jaundice are hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, although it can also occur in gall bladder diseases, leptospirosis and malaria.
5. Bleeding
Bleeding episodes may occur because the liver participates actively in the coagulation process, with the production of proteins. Since in liver deficiency, the production of proteins is lower, the risk of minor bleeding increases.
Therefore, people who have liver disease are more likely to develop purple spots on the skin, called ecchymoses, from minor trauma or small bumps.
6. Varices
More advanced liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, increase venous pressure, leading to the formation of varices, especially in the oesophagus and stomach. These are more fragile veins, with a high risk of rupture and bleeding.
Therefore, upper digestive haemorrhage, bleeding from the oesophagus or stomach, is a clinical manifestation, which is characterised by episodes of vomiting with blood.
When the bleeding occurs from the veins of the intestine or rectum, the symptoms are haemorrhoids and anal bleeding, with bright red blood in the stools, more easily identified.
How to know if I have Liver disease?
To know if you have a liver disease, you need to pay attention to the signs and symptoms that appear, such as pain in the belly and an increase in abdominal volume. But to confirm a liver disease, you need a medical evaluation and complementary tests.
The laboratory exams, with hemogram, bilirrubin, albumin, hepatic enzymes and coagulogram, evaluate the function of the organ and the image exams, such as abdominal ultrasonography and tomography, identify macroscopic alterations, such as tumours, cysts or fat in the liver.
The interpretation of the tests, together with the physical examination, allow the doctor to determine the diagnosis and correct treatment for each case.
How is the treatment performed?
The treatment is done according to the problem found. However, in general, it involves changes in the diet and the use of medication to relieve the symptoms. The diet should be guided by a trained professional.
1. Diet and recommendations
Drink plenty of water (at least 2 litres a day);
Prefer foods with less fat: lean meats, fish, low-fat cheeses and skimmed milk;
Avoid eating fried food
Avoid alcoholic drinks;
Eat more boiled, baked and grilled food: boiled food, even vegetables and greens, are more easily digested and avoid overloading the liver;
Do not consume industrialised and processed foods such as soft drinks, stuffed biscuits, sausages, bacon, sausages and sweets in general,
Practise physical activity at least 4x a week, 30 to 40 minutes a day.
2. Medicines
Medication will be defined on an individual basis. People with increased cholesterol may need to take statins. People with increased blood glucose levels, evaluate early initiation of oral hypoglycaemic agents, and for people with coagulation disorders, avoid anticoagulants and platelet antiaggregants such as ASA.
The use of diuretics may also be indicated in cases of edema and significant ascites.
Therefore, if you are experiencing liver pain, a swollen belly, or symptoms such as those described, we recommend that you see a family doctor, gastroenterologist or hepatologist for an evaluation. Do not use any medication without medical advice.
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