Learn about 5 early warning signs of liver damage

The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in the body. It is responsible for many things. It regulates blood clotting, removes toxins from the bloodstream, helps produce bile, and much more. However, the liver can be damaged and its performance can decrease due to illness or repeated lifestyle habits.

According to Dr. Douglas Wayne, a gastroenterologist at Hackensack Meridian Health Center in America, liver disease is a very broad term that includes many different conditions that impair the normal functions of the liver, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or even cancer, according to the American newspaper "HuffPost".

“Signs and symptoms of liver disease usually don’t appear until there’s significant liver damage,” said Dr. Bobo Panini, a hepatologist and assistant professor at Yale University School of Medicine.

Here are the five most common warning signs of liver disease, and what to do if you notice these problems:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

“One of the subtle signs of liver disease is yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, known as jaundice,” Panini said.

This happens when there is an excess of bilirubin, a pigment created during the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body. Bilirubin is normally processed by the liver and removed from the body, but too much of it can cause jaundice, a sign of liver problems.

This is why it is important to talk to your doctor if you notice any yellowing of your skin or eyes.

• dark urine

Dark urine is usually nothing to worry about, and is an indication that you need to drink some extra fluids.

But it's also normal for people with liver disease to have dark urine, Wayne said. This is due to a buildup of bilirubin, which can turn urine orange, brown or dark amber.

• confusion

Major changes in your mental state should not be ignored. They may be a sign of liver problems or a number of other underlying issues. If you experience confusion or other problems affecting your mind, seek help immediately.

“Anyone who is otherwise healthy can develop acute liver failure, which can manifest as changes in mental or personality status, such as confusion or drowsiness,” Panini said.

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen

Wayne said it may not be related to liver problems, but swelling in your legs and feet could indicate something is wrong.

According to the Mayo Clinic, cirrhosis slows blood flow through the liver and increases pressure in the vein that carries blood through the organ. Pressure in this vein, known as the portal vein, “can cause fluid to build up in the legs, called edema, and in the abdomen, called ascites,” the Mayo Clinic says. “Edema and ascites can also occur if the liver can’t make enough of certain blood proteins, such as albumin.”

• Bruising and bleeding easily

People with liver damage may bruise or bleed easily when injured, Wayne said. This happens because the liver produces proteins that blood needs to clot, so when the liver isn't working well, you're more likely to bleed easily.

What to do if you think you have liver damage?

Liver problems should not be ignored. Excessive alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, sharing needles, and a family history of liver disease are all risk factors for liver damage.

If you think you are experiencing any symptoms of liver damage, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Other symptoms include stool changes, fatigue, and appetite changes.

Panini suggested seeking immediate medical attention if you experience severe jaundice, unexpected changes in mental status, black stools, vomiting blood, progressive swelling of the abdomen, ankles and legs, or difficulty breathing.

(The Middle East)