Sure Signs You May Have Liver Damage, According to a Doctor
Watch out for these symptoms, says a specialist who knows.
According to the Global Liver Institute, there are over 100 types of liver disease. And while many people associate these conditions with excessive alcohol use, the majority of those who suffer from liver damage aren't even drinkers. "Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is the most common liver disease worldwide," Stephen A. Harrison, MD, explains to Newsful. "It is important to recognize risk factors for this disease early and seek medical advice if you have these risk factors or show signs that suggest underlying liver disease." Read on to learn about the most common signs and associated conditions of NAFLD and NASH.
Diabetes Mellitus, aka sugar diabetes, is a health condition commonly associated with liver disease, per Dr. Harrison. The body's inability to control blood sugar can result in too much sugar in the blood.
Obesity or being overweight is another common characteristic of an individual suffering liver damage. According to the CDC, over 42 percent of Americans are considered obese, meaning their BMI (body mass index) is over 30.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, implies that the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease, per the Mayo Clinic. According to Dr. Harrison, it is one of the three main conditions associated with liver disease.
Liver disease often clinically manifests itself in a variety of skin conditions. One is acanthosis nigricans, which Dr. Harrison describes as "browning of the skin around the neck."
Another skin symptom to look for, per Dr. Harrison? Spider telangiectasias, which presents itself as "new red lines on the face and neck."
Dr. Harrison maintains that as liver disease progresses, "you may develop a yellowing of the skin called jaundice."
Another sign that liver disease has progressed is "increased abdominal girth and/or lower extremity swelling," according to Dr. Harrison.
Liver disease can manifest itself in mind as well. In addition to physical symptoms, "you may experience increasing forgetfulness or mental status changes," says Dr. Harrison.
"If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms please seek medical assistance immediately," instructs Dr. Harrison. Any of them can be cirrhosis related to NAFLD/NASH. "Lab work may show a low platelet count or a low serum albumin, elevated total bilirubin or abnormal blood clotting time," he explains.
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To learn more about liver disease, you can contact the Global Liver Institute, whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease through promoting innovation, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases.
