Some people think that liver problems only occur because of excessive drinking and alcohol consumption. However, this is not true; there can be various reasons which can lead to liver damage and serious liver infections. It can be because eating habits, lifestyle changes, fatty liver or other causes as well. Majority of people only discover having liver damage at the stage where serious treatment or surgery may be required. Hence to avoid that condition you need to know about signs and symptoms of liver damage that can lead to serious problems. We took inputs from Dr. Akash Malhotra, Surgeon Haematologist, from Vozart Healthcare Hospital, Bangalore.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Damage
There could be various symptoms of liver damage ranging from mild or severe symptoms. We are here to tell you about evident symptoms which will help you determine liver damage efficiently.
1. Bad Mouth Odour
In case of liver damage or dysfunctions related to liver, the odour of the mouth changes. People with liver damage may have foul smelling odour coming from their mouth most of the times. It mostly smells like bad onions or fish smell in case of liver damage. This happens because of excess of ammonia produced in the body which otherwise gets settles by enzymes produced by liver. Hence if there is persistent foul smell from your mouth, then you should go for a health check-up.
2. Severe Digestive Problems
Severe digestive issues are linked directly to liver damage and liver dysfunction. This is because liver accumulates fat over it when there is a damage because of which you are not even able to digest water properly. Digestive problems can vary from every individual and should be neglected. It is a serious symptom that could take worst case if treatment is not provided on time. Even if you have minor digestive issues constantly over few days, it could be signs of liver damage.
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3. Dark Circles and Tired Eyes
Have you ever observed doctors usually check your eyes for majority of problems? This is because condition of eyes reflects the damage and state of health you are going through. Liver malfunction and damage to liver is also connected with skin damage and tiredness in the body. If the skin under your eyes is very tender then it can be signs of liver damage and related problems. It is also an easy way to find out if there is any liver damage before going through proper diagnosis in the hospital.
4. Skin patches and Discolouration
Discolouration of the skin happens when you are going through a liver problem. It can be due to fatty liver, liver infection or liver damage. In some cases the pigmentation of the skin is also affected. This means that you may see some white patches on your skin. These are usually signs of liver damage and called as liver spots. White patches in particular should not be avoided as it may be related to serious liver disorder.
5. Having Dark Urine and Stool
Stool formation and urination are strongly connected to the condition of liver and digestive tract. If your urine becomes dark and tan in colour, then it could be symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration is caused because of liver damage as the liver functions are affected that leads to liver damage. If you get dark urine and dark stool colour on a regular basis, then get yourself checked for liver disease and damage.
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6. Having yellow coloured eyes
Yellow coloured eyes are usually symptoms of having jaundice which is also a liver disease. If you notice your eye colour turn into yellowish for 2-3 days, then you must visit a doctor. Yellow eyes and nails are symptoms of liver infection and needs immediate treatment. Sometimes, jaundice can even lead the person to serious health complications and result to health adversities.
7. Abdominal Swelling
Liver damage can also cause swelling in your abdomen because of infection and damage. This is a serious sign that should be addressed immediately to avoid health complications. Having abdominal swelling means that liver is getting enlarged due to infection of some kind of liver dysfunction. As a result, your belly may start coming out and you might face abnormal irritation in your abdominal region.
8. Bitter Taste in Mouth
You must be guessing it is related to bad odour. Well, no, this is different sign which is related to liver damage. Having a bitter metallic taste in your mouth is related to problems related to secretion of enzymes by the liver. If you are having this metallic and bitter taste most of the time, it could be because of bile juices that come to your mouth instead of mixing with food to aid digestion. Hence digestion may also be affected because of liver problems.
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