A doctor has warned people of four liver damage signs that you should never ignore.
Dr Joseph Salhab, who is based in Florida, shared “warning signs of liver damage and inflammation,” saying that the last symptom is one “you just don’t wanna miss”.
According to the British Liver Trust, your liver has many different functions, so it’s important to spot if you’re having issues quickly.
They share that liver functions include:
- processing digested food from the intestine
- controlling levels of fats, amino acids and glucose in the blood
- combating infections
- clearing the blood of particles and infections, including bacteria
- neutralising and destroying all drugs and toxins
- manufacturing bile
- storing iron, vitamins and other essential chemicals
- breaking down food and turning it into energy
- manufacturing, breaking down and regulating numerous hormones, including sex hormones
- making enzymes and proteins, which are responsible for most chemical reactions in the body, such as those involved in blood clotting and repair of damaged tissues.
4. Right upper belly pain
He said that if you’re experiencing “right upper quadrant pain that just won’t go away,” then it may be time to see somebody, as this is where your liver sits.
Dr Salhab said: “This can be due to something called hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver. It’s secondary to things such as a viral infection or even alcohol poisoning”.
3. Nausea and vomiting
He said if you’re feeling sick and actually being sick and it “just won’t go away,” then it could be a sign that something is wrong with your liver – especially when combined with any of the other symptoms.
He explained you may need to see somebody “If you can’t keep anything down and especially if it’s worse after a night of drinking”.
2. Swollen belly
The medical professional added if you have “swelling and bloating of the belly that just won’t go away,” then this could mean your liver needs attention.
The doctor shared: “This could be due to something called fluid build-up, which is called ascites. When the liver’s working correctly, you tend to build up fluid in areas such as the belly and even the legs”.
1. Yellow skin and eyes
A tell-tale sign you’re suffering from liver damage is “jaundice and scleral icterus,” which is “yellowing of the skin and eyes”. He said: “This is a very serious sign of liver damage. It should definitely prompt you to get seen by your nearest healthcare provider”.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your GP. If you feel it’s an emergency, dial 999.