The liver is an essential organ involved in many different processes in the human body. There are several different signs and symptoms of liver disease ranging from mild liver problems to full-blown liver disease. Find out more information about how to spot when your liver is in trouble from Touchwood Pharmacy.
Signs the liver is in trouble
Liver disease can be caused by many different things but what is common to all is that in the early stages, there are very few obvious symptoms. By the time symptoms become apparent, liver disease is already quite advanced. This is called cirrhosis. If untreated, eventually this will progress to liver failure.
Causes of Liver Disease
Some of the most common types of liver disease include:-
- Alcohol-related liver disease caused by drinking too much and alcohol abuse
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – this is caused by being overweight or obese which leads to fat deposits building up in the liver
- Hepatitis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis – this develops due to problems with the immune system
Signs and Symptoms of an Unhappy Liver
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Loss of sex drive
- Urine which is dark in color
- Pale stool color
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice which causes yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin
It is important that any or all of these symptoms are evaluated by a healthcare professional as they can be signs of other forms of illness, not just liver disease. The untreated, liver disease will go on to lead to liver failure and eventually death.
Avoiding excess weight and alcohol misuse are two key ways to keep your liver healthy, also protecting yourself from hepatitis, and treat any infection promptly.
Spot those all-important signs and symptoms of liver disease and avoid liver problems leading to liver failure. Liver disease is very serious but fortunately there are lots of early warning signs that your liver is in trouble. Contact Touchwood Pharmacy for more information and helpful, friendly advice about looking after your liver and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
