1. Be Alert for Jaundice
Jaundice is usually the first symptom you will notice to indicate you are suffering from some form of liver disease. Jaundice occurs when you have abnormally high bilirubin levels, a phenomenon that is consistent with liver dysfunction. When you have jaundice, your skin and the whites of your eyes will look yellow. Jaundice can be a sign of other health issues, as well as liver disease. Alert your doctor to your condition as soon as possible, so he can determine the cause of your jaundice and perform lab tests to measure your liver function.
2. Look for Abnormally Colored Waste Products
When your liver function is compromised, you may experience cholestasis, a condition in which bile does not flow to or from your liver. This blockage can cause your urine to be very dark and your stools to be beige or white in color.
3. Watch for Fluid Retention
An excess of fluid in your abdominal cavity can cause you to feel short of breath and can make your stomach appear distended. This fluid retention is called ascites, and is consistent with some types of liver disease, including cirrhosis. Fluid buildup usually exists in conjunction with other symptoms of liver disease, and does not normally appear as a sole symptom.
4. Monitor Itching, Bruising and Bleeding
There are many other physical symptoms that can make you suspect you have liver disease. One such sign is an intense itching sensation throughout your body. You may also notice that you bruise or bleed more easily than before.
5. Beware of Neurological Symptoms
A very serious type of liver disease called liver encephalopathy can manifest itself through a number of neurological impairments, due to a buildup of toxins in your bloodstream. Any major change in your behavior, mood, personality or ability to use good judgment should be reported to your physician immediately. This form of liver disease can lead to a loss of coherent speech or consciousness, and can even result in coma.
