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15 Little-Known Signs That Could Indicate a Liver Problem
The liver is one of the body’s most important organs, yet many people rarely think about it until something goes wrong.
Located in the upper-right portion of the abdomen, the liver performs hundreds of essential functions. It helps process nutrients from food, produces substances involved in digestion and blood clotting, stores energy, processes medications and other chemicals, and helps remove waste products from the bloodstream.
Because the liver plays such a central role in maintaining the body’s internal balance, problems affecting it can sometimes produce symptoms in unexpected parts of the body.
The challenge is that early liver problems may cause few or no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can sometimes be mistaken for ordinary tiredness, digestive problems, stress, aging or other health conditions.
That is why recognizing potential warning signs can be useful.
The symptoms below do not necessarily mean that a person has liver disease. Many can have numerous other causes. However, persistent, unexplained or worsening symptoms deserve attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
1. Constant Tiredness Without an Obvious Cause
Everyone feels tired occasionally.
A busy schedule, lack of sleep, stress, dehydration and many other factors can leave someone feeling exhausted.
But persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with adequate rest can sometimes accompany liver disorders.
When the liver isn’t functioning properly, changes in metabolism and the body’s normal chemical processes may contribute to feelings of weakness or tiredness.
Fatigue is extremely nonspecific, however. Anemia, thyroid disorders, infections, sleep problems, nutritional deficiencies and many other conditions can also cause it.
If unusual tiredness continues for weeks or interferes with daily activities, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
2. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes
One of the more recognizable signs associated with liver and bile-related problems is jaundice.
Jaundice causes the skin or the whites of the eyes to develop a yellowish appearance.
It occurs when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the body.
The liver normally processes bilirubin and helps eliminate it through bile. Problems involving the liver, bile ducts or red blood cells can cause bilirubin levels to rise.
New or unexplained yellowing of the skin or eyes should not simply be ignored.