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Signs of a diseased liver. The liver, the largest internal organ, regulates clotting and removes toxins, but research suggests that many people live with various liver diseases without realizing it.
Worldwide, an estimated 1 in 4 people have some form of liver disease, a broad term used to describe several conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis and liver cancer.
Fatty liver disease. Causes and preventive measures
As the name suggests, fatty liver disease is marked by the presence of fat in the liver. The primary cause is weight gain, along with metabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and obstructive sleep apnea.
The condition is also known as steatotic disease associated with metabolic dysfunction, reflecting the association between fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. Fatty liver disease is associated with an increased risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
While preventative measures such as diet, exercise, and abstaining from alcohol can help prevent liver disease, problems arise because symptoms are subtle or completely absent.
5 signs that signal serious liver disease
Dr. Bubu Banini, a hepatologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, told HuffPost that “signs and symptoms of liver disease usually do not appear until there is significant liver damage.”
Experts like Dr. Banini urge people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience the following problems.
1. Bruises and bleeds easily
The liver makes proteins that the body needs to form blood clots.
When the liver is damaged or otherwise malfunctions, people are more prone to bleeding and bruising, a common side effect, according to The Cleveland Clinic.
2. Brain confusion and dysfunction
Experts say an unexpected culprit of brain fog and cognitive impairment is advanced liver failure. A person who is otherwise healthy may develop acute liver failure that may manifest as changes in mental status or personality, such as disorientation, confusion, or drowsiness.
Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction caused by liver problems, according to The Cleveland Clinicwhich can affect:
- Disposition and personality
- Behavior and impulse control
- Memory, concentration and thinking
- Consciousness, lucidity and sleep patterns
- Coordination and motor functions
- Autonomy and the ability to take care of yourself
Watch out for leg swelling!
3. Jaundice
Dr. Banini points out that liver disease can manifest as jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes. When the body breaks down red blood cells, it creates the pigment bilirubin, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Normally, the liver processes and removes bilirubin, but an excess of it can cause jaundice and indicate liver problems.
4. Dark urine
If you are adequately hydrated but notice that your urine is persistently dark in color, it could be a sign of serious liver disease.
Just as an excess of the pigment bilirubin can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, it can turn pee darker shades of orange or amber.
5. Swelling of the legs
Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver can cause swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen. According to the Mayo Clinic, cirrhosis slows blood flow and increases pressure in the portal vein in the liver.
This pressure can cause fluid to build up; when fluid collects in the legs, it is called edema; in the abdomen, it is known as ascites.
Swelling can also indicate that the liver is not making enough protein in the blood.
Source: www.doctorulzilei.ro
