Human’s liver is the key player in the body’s digestive system. All foods, drinks, and even medicines pass through it. The liver is about the size of a football. It is found in the lower rib cage on the right side. The liver has many important functions. It cleans the blood by removing harmful chemicals in the body. It makes bile that helps break down fats from food. It stores sugar that gives a quick energy boost that the body needs. Because of these important functions, it is vital to keep our liver always healthy.
Signs and symptoms of liver problems
Liver problems can be due to a variety of factors. The following are some signs and symptoms of liver problems:
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
- Chronic fatigue
- Yellowish eyes and skin
- The tendency to bruise easily
- Dark urine color
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the legs and ankles
- Pale stool color or bloody tar-colored stool
Causes of liver problems
Liver problems are caused by any of the following:
- Immune system abnormality
When the immune system is down, infections and diseases attack different parts of the body.
An abnormal gene inherited from the parents can cause many kinds of substances build up in the liver, hence damaging it.
Viruses and parasites can infect the liver that causes inflammation and reduces liver functions.
People with cancers may experience liver troubles resulting in liver failure.
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Stored fats in the liver
Risk factors for liver problems
There are some risk factors that may increase the risk of liver problems such as:
- Unprotected sex
- Tattoos or body piercing
- Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals
- Too much alcohol use
- Diabetes
- Injecting drugs using shared needles
- Obesity
- Exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids
- Blood transfusion before 1992
Preventive measures for the liver
There are some ways to keep the liver healthy such as:
- Eating a healthy diet and getting a regular exercise.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
- Watch out for taking certain medicines.
- Learn how to prevent viral disease like hepatitis.
- Avoid inhaling chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, or aerosol products.
- Be careful with herbs and dietary supplements that can harm the liver.
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid risky behaviors
- Maintain healthy weight
Liver problem diagnosis
Your doctor will evaluate your health history and your physical exams. A further test may include:
- Blood test
- Imaging test
- Tissue analysis
Liver problem treatment
Your treatment depends on your diagnosis. Some problem may be treated with lifestyle change. Another type of liver problem includes taking some medications and surgery.
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